Sukhumbhand Appears To Win Bangkok Governor Election

[george]

Sukhumbhand appears to win Bangkok governor election: exit poll

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party's MR Sukhumbhand Baribatra is likely to win the Bangkok governor election, according an exit poll announced by Channel 3.

The exit poll carried out by Rajabhat Suan Dusit Institute showed that Sukhumbhand would win about 46.75 per cent of votes, followed by Pheu Thai Party's Yuranan Phamornmontree who would get 26.92 per cent.

The exit poll also found TV celebrity ML Nattakorn Devakula would win about bout 18.50 per cent.

Kaewsant Atibodhi, an independent candidate, would win about 6.37 per cent of votes.

-- The Nation 2009-01-11

Sukhumbhand reacts cautiously to exit poll's result

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party candidate Sukhumbhand Baribatra Sunday reacted cautiously to his possible victory of the Bangkok governor election according to an exit poll.

Sukhumbhand said although exit polls now were more accurate than the surveys in the past, it would be too soon for him to make any comment.

He said he would like to wait for the ballot counting before making any comment.

But if he wins the election, he would serve all groups and sides of people as the Bangkok governor, he said.

-- The Nation 2009-01-11

[hammered]

If he has it is a good start for the Dems. The bigger tests though for the Dems and their allies come in the by-elections up country.

[mackayae]

Is he PAD approved?

[Plus]

I want to see how Sam does - if he gets substantially less votes than Prapas last time PPP should start worrying about further loss of its popularity.

[marshbags]

Breakingnews, By: BangkokPost.com, Published: 11/01/2009 at 06:36 PM

PM thanks voters for backing Democrats

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expected that seven out of nine Democrat candidates contesting for Sunday's by-elections to win.

Mr Abhisit, speaking on Sunday evening, thanked voters for showing their supports in Bangkok governor election and by-elections.

Democrat candidate for Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has taken the lead in two exit polls.

"I'm confident that MR Sukhumbhand will continue the work initiated under former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin well," he said. "And he will be able to implement the government's policies on the local leval."

By-elections for 29 House seats were held in 26 districts in 22 provinces in the country. And no Democrat members were elected in the district in the previous election.

"Thank you for placing your trust on our party," he said. "It will held strengthen the power of the coalition government, helping us to work more smoothly."

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...cking-democrats

marshbags

[hammered]

Breakingnews, By: BangkokPost.com, Published: 11/01/2009 at 06:36 PM

PM thanks voters for backing Democrats

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expected that seven out of nine Democrat candidates contesting for Sunday's by-elections to win.

Mr Abhisit, speaking on Sunday evening, thanked voters for showing their supports in Bangkok governor election and by-elections.

Democrat candidate for Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has taken the lead in two exit polls.

"I'm confident that MR Sukhumbhand will continue the work initiated under former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin well," he said. "And he will be able to implement the government's policies on the local leval."

By-elections for 29 House seats were held in 26 districts in 22 provinces in the country. And no Democrat members were elected in the district in the previous election.

"Thank you for placing your trust on our party," he said. "It will held strengthen the power of the coalition government, helping us to work more smoothly."

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...cking-democrats

marshbags

Quite dangerous for a politician to appear so confident before even the unoffical results are in.

[hammered]

I want to see how Sam does - if he gets substantially less votes than Prapas last time PPP should start worrying about further loss of its popularity.

That has been seen as a big test for PT. Apparently observers are lookng at can they break the 500K mark as an indication of how their popularity and also organization are holding up.

A bigger test of course though is the by-elections. Thaksin parties usually dio better than expected in actual votes and PT will no doubt be looking at over half the seats maybe even up to 20 or so. If they do badly in the by-elections it will show you can win upcountry without Thaksin and hence could cause further breakways from PT. If they do well especially in Buri Ram it will show you need the Thaksin factor to win and will likely strengthen their party.

Interesting day.

[marshbags]

What about the photo,s of selected voters in the Nation today, Sun, January 11, 2009, speaking of the exiled ????.

Picture 1 of his EX wife shows her looking a little worse for whatever and not to happy.

Picture 4 is one of a certain singer who performs for her EX husband, who may well be one of the reasons she doesn,t look her previously confident, happy self.

Ref url :- http://www.nationmultimedia.com/

marshbags

Edited January 11, 2009 by marshbags

[marshbags]

Breakingnews, By: BangkokPost.com, Published: 11/01/2009 at 06:36 PM

PM thanks voters for backing Democrats

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expected that seven out of nine Democrat candidates contesting for Sunday's by-elections to win.

Mr Abhisit, speaking on Sunday evening, thanked voters for showing their supports in Bangkok governor election and by-elections.

Democrat candidate for Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has taken the lead in two exit polls.

"I'm confident that MR Sukhumbhand will continue the work initiated under former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin well," he said. "And he will be able to implement the government's policies on the local leval."

By-elections for 29 House seats were held in 26 districts in 22 provinces in the country. And no Democrat members were elected in the district in the previous election.

"Thank you for placing your trust on our party," he said. "It will held strengthen the power of the coalition government, helping us to work more smoothly."

Unquote

Ref url :- http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/13...cking-democrats

marshbags

Quite dangerous for a politician to appear so confident before even the unoffical results are in.

The word being expected and it is based on exit polls only at this stage.

He did make a point of saying as much in a TV news interview as i post and a few minutes ago on another channel, but i understand your observation and it,s relevance.

* It is also important to note he was answering a reporters question and not making a statement as such.

One thing for sure the PT party haven,t appeared to fulfill Chalerms expectations of a clear majority support wise, for his party from the voters.

Again if exit polls are as stated.

marshbags

Edited January 11, 2009 by marshbags

[marshbags]

ANALYSIS

In the city, Democrats aren't stronger; only foes are weaker

The Nation, Published on January 12, 2009

Ref url:- http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/12...cs_30092970.php

The Bangkok gubernatorial race is normally the most fascinating of Thai elections. When it takes place at the most unusual time it is supposed to deliver even greater excitement and a flamboyant winner. Yesterday, therefore, was an anti-climactic letdown.

Popularity polls had given false hopes that this could be the closest race ever. Exit polls crushed them immediately after the ballot boxes were sealed. TV coverage was lukewarm and vote count lost its charm way before sunset.

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra is a decent winner but he must be the most ordinary character to have won the race. Second runner-up ML Nattakorn Devakula was right - it was the Democrat Party that won the election, not its unassuming, publicity-shy candidate.

The election's outcome, which made Sukhumbhand the first-ever Bangkok governor to come from the concurrent ruling party, told a few stories. First of all, it confirmed where Bangkok stands when it comes to the political crisis. Granted, Pheu Thai candidate Yuranan Pamornmontri, who finished first runner-up, was not a major appeal, but neither was the winner himself. It was a simple test of strength between the Democrats and their arch-rivals.

Sukhumbhand even did great in Constitution 10, the once impregnable stronghold of the People Power Party, which has reincarnated into Pheu Thai. Whereas the overall outcome did not show increase in support for the Democrats compared with the time Apirak Kosayodhin won back-to-back governor elections, it seemed to expose the decline in popularity, logistics and general mechanisms of the former Thai Rak Thai Party in the city.

To sum it up, the Bangkok results demonstrated a wavering, disarrayed Pheu Thai in the capital rather than strengthened Democrats. But it was good news for the ruling party all the same, not least because a strong showing by Yuranan would have aggravated all sorts of problems for the government both here and abroad.

For Nattakorn and third runner-up Kaewsan Atibhodi, it was good investment. The latter had impressed the most in TV discussions whereas Nattakorn had that sophisticated charm that could have come in handy in a politically peaceful time. It was unfortunate, like Nattakorn rightly stated, that national politics often decided who won the Bangkok race.

Sukhumbhand will take this victory, no matter what anyone says. His party will embrace it as a much-needed breathing space. But the ruling camp knows better than anybody how fickle Bangkok voters are and how much easier winning their support is than keeping it in the next election.

Unquote

The National results are also worthy of a similar analysis as they seemingly point to a similar scenario as is headlined ect.

IMHO as always

marshbags

[bangkokrick]

Great news for Thailand in my opinion. Maybe now there will be some Political stability for a while.

Cheers, Rick

[britmaveric]

Wishful thinking the fun has yet to begin....

[Siripon]

Wishful thinking the fun has yet to begin....

Are you still wishfully thinking Thaksin is coming back? britmaveric, when will one of your predictions come true? I'm still waiting.

Regarding Khun Pleum, there were many signs his father didn't agree with his running, ie Pleum claimed he had to sell 2 of his cars to finance the campaign, ie daddy wouldn't stump up the cash.

Secondly his father told him that without an established network of canvassers it would be a waste of time. and thirdly his father apologised to a certain newspaper for the late delivery of his column because,' I have had to help my son campaign because he can't do anything himself!'

[sriracha john]

Coalition parties get 20 MPs, opposition 9 MPs

Three coalition parties won a combined 20 MPs Sunday’s by election, while two opposition parties got nine MPs, according to unofficial results announced by the Election Commission (EC).

EC chairman Mr. Apichart Sukakanont said on Sunday night (January 11) that unofficial results of by-election in 22 provinces, 29 constituencies, were as follows:

1. Bangkok’s constituency 10 : Mr. Natthapol Teepsuwan, Democrat party, got 72,909 votes.

2. Chacheongsao’s constituency 1 : Mr. Ratchapol Tancharoen, Puea Pandin party, got 52,451 votes.

3. Nakhon Pathom’s constituency 1: Mr. Marut Boonmee, Democrat party, got 104,409 votes.

4. Nakhon Phanom ‘s constituency 1 : Mr. Suriya Promdee, Phuea Thai party, got 48,559 votes.

5. Narathiwat’s constituency 2: Mr. Niaris Jatapiwat, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 47,931 votes.

6. Buri Ram’s constituency 2 : Mr. Jakkrit Thongsri, Pracharaj party, got 84,673 votes.

7. Buri Ram’s constituency 4 : Mr. Pirapong Hengsawasdi, Puea Pandin party, got 66,180 votes.

8. Pathum Thani’s constituency 1 : Mrs. Chanakarn Yuenyong, Pracharaj party, got 86 , 078 votes.

9. Maha Sarakhram’s constituency 1 : Mr. Khajit Chainikhom, Pheua Thai party, got 74,059 votes.

10. Roi Et’s constituency 2 : Mr. Piyarach Muensaen, Phuea Thai party, got 109,601 votes.

11. Ratchaburi’s constituency 1 : Mr. Yodsak Cheewawinyu, Democrat party, got 144,199 votes.

12. Lop Buri’s constituency 1 : Miss Mallika Jarapanvanich, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 104,968 votes.

13. Lampang’s constituency 1 : Mr. Saroch Saithep, Phuea Thai party, got 95 ,602 votes.

14. Lamphun’s constituency 1 : Mr. Khayan Vipromchai, Democrat party, got 85,828 votes.

15. Si Sa Ket’s constituency 1 : Mr. Suda Promduang, Pracharaj party, got 66,402 votes.

16. Si Sa Ket’s constituency 2 : Miss Jirawadee Juengwaranont, Pracharaj party, got 88,612 votes.

17. Samut Prakarn’s constituency 1 : Miss Soracha Weerachartwatthana, Democrat party, got 70,138 votes.

18. Saraburi’s constituency 2 : Mr. Ongart Wongprayoon, Democrat party, got 72,690 votes.

19. Singburi’s constituency 1 : Mr. Chotevuth Thanakamanusorn, Democrat party, got 51,940 votes.

20. Suphanburi’s constituency 1: Mr. Noppadon Matsri, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 137,866 votes.

21. Suphanburi’s constituency 1: Mr. Charnchai Prasertsuwan, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 132,760 votes.

22. Suphanburi’s constituency 1: Mr. Nitiwat Chansawang, Chart Thai Pattana pary, got คะแนน 129,808 votes.

23. Suphanburi’s constituency 2 : Mrs. Patcharee Pothasuthon, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 108,451 votes

24. Suphanburi’s constituency 2 : Mr. Jeraja Thiangtham, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 103,746 votes.

25. Ang Thong’s constituency 1 : Mr. Pakin Prisananatakul, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 72,380 votes.

26. Udon Thani’s constituency 1: Mr. Kiatudom Menasawasdi, Phuea Thai party, got 83,477 votes.

27. Uthai Thani’s constituency 1 : Mr. Adul Luangboriboon, Chart Thai Pattana party, got 81,422 votes.

28. Ubon Ratchathani’s constituency 2 : Mr. Udon Thongprasert, Puea Pandin party, got 86,690 votes.

Based on the unofficial by-election results, the three coalition parties won 20 seats, while two opposition parties got nine seats.

The coalition parties included: Democrats winning seven MPs, Chart Thai Pattana 10 MPs, and Puea Pandin three MPs. While opposition parties included: Phuea Thai party winning five MPs and Pracharaj four MPs.

Mr. Apichart said that voters’ turn out accounted for around 50 per cent. There were 26 grievances filed.

The by-election was held following Constitution Court’s verdict n December 2, 2008 dissolving former PM Somchai Wongsawat government’s coalition parties, included People Power, Chart Thai, and Matchima Tippataya parties on grounds of election frauds.

- ThaiNews / 2009-01-12

[marshbags]

Thanks for the detailed results S.J. as i couldn,t locate them when i looked previously.

Udonthani went to the opposition, i note, but that was a foregone conclusion anyway, considering the ( paid for ) influence Still

Did the other parties make any in roads in this area or indeed any of those the MK 3 TRT have won, as against previous elections ?

BM I note is his usual self and still in denial, even with these reults, shouting out change.

Another one line gem to add to the long list of similar non substance posts.

marshbags

Edited January 12, 2009 by marshbags

[younghusband]

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra is a decent winner but he must be the most ordinary character to have won the race. Second runner-up ML Nattakorn Devakula was right - it was the Democrat Party that won the election, not its unassuming, publicity-shy candidate.

I'm not so sure about this.While the result was a good one for the Democrats, it is I believe a mistake to underestimate the personal appeal of MR Sukhumband.Over the years he has shown an independence of spirit (sceptical of fairy tales), physical courage and intellect.He may not be a slick willy politician but is that such a loss? His family is a very distinguished one and as far as I am aware he is sea green incorruptible.He has all the best attributes of the Thai patrician class, good manners and willing to listen to different points of view.I don't know for sure I suspect he has no truck for the wilder shores of PAD lunacy and their ridiculous "new (meaning old)politics", a firm supporter of parliamentary democracy and a wonderful ambassador for Bangkok in the wider world.And guess what, yet another from a top English public school (Rugby) and Oxbridge, like Abhisit and Korn.Is this a trend?

[Plus]

Praharaj probably won more seats in by-elections than in the elections themselves, thanks to Newin backing. I wonder which way these boys will vote in parliament, who will they listen to - Snoh or Newin?

Five seats for Phue Thai out of 29 possible.

Their "majority" claim is a very tough sell now. Dems took more seats than them, and that's a pure addition to Dem's tally from last year - they lost these seats in 2007 election to PPP coalition.

Given this loss red agenda is a very hard sell now.

[Plus]

Pluem's an idiot.

He got name recognition and he can easily win something somewhere now, but without a party he's nothing. He insulted just about everybody and only lunatics from Phue Thai will accept him so that's where he'll probably end - fighting for MP seat for Thaksin in Bangkok, campaigning shoulder to shoulder with Chalerm.

How pathetic.

He'd do well if Phue Thai splits and some genuine, ideology driven party gets born, they can get all TRT hands with TRT ideas to run it and Pluem would fit right in. Until then he's got no political home.

[GENeIsUS]

I have a, as yet unproven, rumour about Mr. Sukumbhand being directly/indirectly involved with the total disinheritance of his younger brother from the familly fortune. Has anyone heard of this? Lena Jang is supposed to have been threatened with a court case by Mr. Sukembhand if she didn't cease and desist from meddling.

[hammered]

Praharaj probably won more seats in by-elections than in the elections themselves, thanks to Newin backing. I wonder which way these boys will vote in parliament, who will they listen to - Snoh or Newin?

Five seats for Phue Thai out of 29 possible.

Their "majority" claim is a very tough sell now. Dems took more seats than them, and that's a pure addition to Dem's tally from last year - they lost these seats in 2007 election to PPP coalition.

Given this loss red agenda is a very hard sell now.

A very important point. And remember that at one point Puen Newin was meant to have 70-100 PPP members. Only 30 defected. Now that it has been shown you can win in Isaan without Thaksin. Pt may find a few of the ex-Puen Newin guys a little more unreliable than thery expect in parliament.

[ajarnmark]

Is he PAD approved?

No, but money can buy votes easily, so he will be the winner anyway.

We have democrat PM with bought votes, now we have democrat governer with the same practice.

[Plus]

Democrat Prime Minister bought votes.. Democrat governor bought votes..

And you know all this from where?

[hammered]

Pluem's an idiot.

He got name recognition and he can easily win something somewhere now, but without a party he's nothing. He insulted just about everybody and only lunatics from Phue Thai will accept him so that's where he'll probably end - fighting for MP seat for Thaksin in Bangkok, campaigning shoulder to shoulder with Chalerm.

How pathetic.

He'd do well if Phue Thai splits and some genuine, ideology driven party gets born, they can get all TRT hands with TRT ideas to run it and Pluem would fit right in. Until then he's got no political home.

I wonder if Pluem will continue making his favoured restaurant and nightclub entrances after his latest attempt to impress daddy clearly didnt achieve the aim.

Peau Thai could very well split after this disastrous showing and with Newin exposing the myth of "you cant win without Thaksin" in the Isaan as somewhat erronious. There are going to be a bunch of PT MPs thinking about how they get their noses back in the trough ASAP, and it may just mean a new post-Thaksin party

[sriracha john]

The PTP still haven't named an official Opposition Leader, AFAIK.

Chalerm was the selected "PTP Head of By-Elections"... don't imagine their abysmal performance yesterday will raise the stock in his portfolio for the Leadership position.

[Old Man River]

Is he PAD approved?

No, but money can buy votes easily, so he will be the winner anyway.

We have democrat PM with bought votes, now we have democrat governer with the same practice.

You can prove this correct? No, I didn't think so. Just BS.

[Plus]

Peau Thai could very well split after this disastrous showing and with Newin exposing the myth of "you cant win without Thaksin" in the Isaan as somewhat erronious. There are going to be a bunch of PT MPs thinking about how they get their noses back in the trough ASAP, and it may just mean a new post-Thaksin party

Abhisit can do whatever is necessary for the country at the moment, but time will come when it will be clear that the trough is not big enough for all the MPs and it's not just a temporary setback.

They haven't even considered serving as the opposition when they entered the race, that will be a big surprise and profound realisation for many of them.

I won't be surprised if they put political reform on the agenda - to legally put more money in local government hands. Hopefully it will come with accountability strings attached.

[Old Man River]

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra is a decent winner but he must be the most ordinary character to have won the race. Second runner-up ML Nattakorn Devakula was right - it was the Democrat Party that won the election, not its unassuming, publicity-shy candidate.

I'm not so sure about this.While the result was a good one for the Democrats, it is I believe a mistake to underestimate the personal appeal of MR Sukhumband.Over the years he has shown an independence of spirit (sceptical of fairy tales), physical courage and intellect.He may not be a slick willy politician but is that such a loss? His family is a very distinguished one and as far as I am aware he is sea green incorruptible.He has all the best attributes of the Thai patrician class, good manners and willing to listen to different points of view.I don't know for sure I suspect he has no truck for the wilder shores of PAD lunacy and their ridiculous "new (meaning old)politics", a firm supporter of parliamentary democracy and a wonderful ambassador for Bangkok in the wider world.And guess what, yet another from a top English public school (Rugby) and Oxbridge, like Abhisit and Korn.Is this a trend?

I completely agree. ML Nattakorn was spouting sour grapes. If they went head to head, no party involved, MR Sukhumbhand still wins. They main thing ML Nattakorn has going for him, other than his father, is his American education.

[Jai Dee]

M.R. Sukhumbhand endorsed as Bangkok governor

The Election Commission (EC) endorses M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra as new Bangkok governor. Mr Prakob Jirakitti (ประกอบ จิรกิตติ) and Dr Malinee Sukkhawetworakit (มาลินี สุขเวชชวรกิจ) will take the deputy governor posts as nominated by the Democrat party to which the new governor belongs.

The newly-appointed Bangkok governor M.R.Sukhumbhand said that he would travel to the EC Office today (January 15th) at 10.30am to receive the endorsement letter. The governor will officially begin his work at the Bangkok City Hall tomorrow (January 16th) at 7.00am.

Apart from Mr Prakob and Dr Malinee, Capt.Md.Phithak Thanbancha (พิทักษ์ ฐานบัญชา), a former MP candidate of Constituency 5 in Bangkok, will be appointed as advisor for public health affairs. Other deputy governor posts and a team of advisors will be selected by M.R.Sukhumbhand himself. Sources said the governor would choose people who used to work with him.

Source: National News Bureau of Thailand - 15 January 2009