Tough Job Picking Next Bangkok Governor

[george]

EXPATS ON CITY ELECTION: Tough job picking next governor

Proven manager needed, long-term foreign residents suggest

BANGKOK: -- In the eyes of at least a few long-standing expatriates in Bangkok, the upcoming election for governor will prove a tough exercise for Bangkok voters.

The reason: a scarcity of outstanding candidates, even though the election has attracted as many as 21 contenders.

Among those in the running are a determined Democrat and ex-CEO, who has yet to prove his mettle in politics; and an altruistic social worker, who has a track record of helping many under-privileged Bangkokians, but offers little in the way of governing strength.

Add to the mix a couple of controversial personalities seeking to whitewash their public image, who are trying to convince voters they have what it takes to successfully manage the post; plus an ex-governor who is making a last-minute bid for another term of office. The rest of the candidates have not yet become household names.

An American resident who has worked in one of the Thai service industries for over six years said the election doesn't look very encouraging for Bangkok citizens in terms of the quality of candidates.

Choices are too limited, said the resident, who asked not to be named, adding that there seemed to be only three serious options for people to choose from.

First is Democrat Apirak Kosayothin, the ex-CEO of a multinational firm here. Second is social worker Paveena Hongsakul, who is backed by the ruling Thai Rak Thai party. Third is the controversial pair of massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit and sharp-tongued veteran politician Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Another American resident, Matthew Smith, who runs a Bangkok-based PR firm and is a four-year resident here, said: "If I were a Bangkok voter, I wouldn't vote for Chalerm, nor Chuwit (due to his views on the sex trade). But, otherwise I think the latter could be a good choice. The man is corrupt but in a transparent manner. Chuwit probably could accomplish many things while in power simply to prove himself.

"Chuwit also took a stand to lower city pollution He would probably create more real changes than other candidates who will likely spend most of their time in office just to survive in the politically-harsh climate," he said.

Mira Kim, vice president of the Korean Association and managing director of Thai-Korea Chamber of Commerce, said if she had the right to vote she would prefer an experienced governor because that kind of candidate would understand how the city works and could start solving problems immediately.

A 30-year resident in Bangkok, Kim said traffic congestion remains the principal problem for residents so she would like to see further expansion of the skytrain and subway routes to suburban areas.

A Canadian social worker, who has lived in Bangkok for the past eight years, said Thai politics still depends heavily on money and power to gain votes, despite candidates' platforms or shady pasts.

"A candidate like Chalerm wouldn't be able to gain the votes if he were a candidate in another country. Another candidate like Chuwit is not suitable due to his notoriety about previous involvement in corruption," he said.

If he had the right to vote, he would back Apirak of the Democrat Party in order to counterbalance the power of the ruling Thai Rak Thai party.

John Butler, an ex-Thammasat University lecturer and Bangkok resident, said those who attract a lot of publicity like Chuwit and Chalerm were most likely to be victorious.

"There are lots of candidates this year but that does not mean Bangkokians will get a governor with whom they're happy," Butler said. He added that the next governor should have a record of successful administrative experience at the public or private level, as it would require lots of energy and vision to move the city forward.

Kulachat Chansinghakul, 54, chairman of Thai Sikh Internal Security Association, said he also is hoping to see a new governor with strong experience in city administration. Traffic congestion, pollution and cluttered sidewalks are the most pressing issues.

Bernard O'Flaherty, a university lecturer from New Zealand who has been living in Bangkok for eight years, said: "I believe there are laws to manage pollution caused by vehicles, but they aren't enforced. The worst offenders seem to be the BMTA public buses."

O'Flaherty was pinning his hopes on Apirak: "He is young, enthusiastic, has a proven track record as CEO of a large company, good communication skills with average people. Most importantly, I hope he's above corruption."

--The Nation 2004-08-15