Re-elected Governor Apirak Vows To Tackle Floods As First Priority

[george]

Re-elected Governor Apirak vows to tackle floods as first priority

BANGKOK: -- After his victory in his re-election to the Bangkok governorship, Apirak Kosayodhin of the opposition Democrat Party pledged to tackle Bangkok's annual battle with the seasonal Chao Phraya River floods as his top priority.

The newly re-elected former Bangkok governor was content with his sweeping victory in all 50 districts.

Despite a great deal of public education to get out the vote, Mr. Apirak conceded there were fewer voters marking their ballots this year, compared to the last election four years ago.

In addition to dealing with Bangkok's annual confrontation with flooding, which the governor has vowed to tackle during October and November, he will also encourage Bangkokians to greater political participation, and to speed the completion of the BTS Skytrain extensions on further routes.

Mr. Apirak also pledged to amend the current Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act so as to enable himself and future governors with authority to tackle all the capital's problems as a system, particularly traffic congestion. At present, the Bangkok governor has no authority in major issues such as public transport, but can only coordinate related matters.

Regarding the status and role of the current four deputy Bangkok governors, Mr. Apirak said there may be some changes, but the wise and qualified representatives from all professions will be drawn into the advisory team to allow the municipality to function more efficiently.

Mr. Aprirak asserted that he violated no election laws and is prepared to clarify his actions concerning any issues which are in doubt. He is now under investigation by the Election Commission regarding campaign posters carrying his name prior to the polls and promotions of widely dispersed free Wi-Fi, or high speed internet distribution to the public.

Bangkok's gubernatorial election was held Sunday. Unofficial election results showed that Mr. Apirak received 991,018 votes or 45.93 per cent of total votes. A total of 16 candidates -- 13 men and three women -- contested the Bangkok governor election. Only Mr. Apirak and Prapat Chongsanguan ran with political party endorsements, that of the Democrat and the People's Power Party, respectively, while the other candidates ran as independents.

-- TNA 2008-10-06