Most Undecided On Pick For Bangkok Governor

[webfact]

Most undecided on pick for governor

THE NATION

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra

BANGKOK: -- Most Bangkok voters are still undecided about whom they will support for governor in the election early next year, according to an Abac poll.

About 62 per cent have not yet committed to anyone, as they have more than one candidate in mind, while 37 per cent have chosen whom they will vote for.

Of those already decided, 40 per cent want incumbent MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra to return for a second term; 27 per cent opt for Sudarat Keyuraphan, a former politician; 10 per cent like Seree Temiyawet, a former police chief; 7.5 per cent favour MP Korn Chatikavanij; and 14.7 per cent give the nod to MP Chuwit Kamolwisit.

Honesty is the most important qualification for Bangkok governor, according to 85 per cent, followed by quick response to problems (74 per cent), decisiveness (73 per cent), vision (58 per cent), concrete achievements (57 per cent), easy accessibility (55 per cent) and political party banner (50 per cent).

Turning to the national government, 75 per cent believe it is the right time for a Cabinet reshuffle.

The top priority problem people want the central government to address is the rising cost of living (74 per cent), followed by crime and drugs (69 per cent), corruption (62 per cent), education (61 per cent), forest encroachment (58 per cent) and illegal alien workers (43 per cent).

Pol General Priewpan Damapong, who is retiring this month as chief of National Police, was seen by 70 per cent as capable of being the minister in charge of solving illicit drug and crime problems, while 56 per cent see Damrong Pidet, retiring as director-general of the Natural Parks Department, as minister for forest encroachment problems and 57 per cent see Somkid Jatusripitak returning as minister for economic problems.

The rising cost of living was the most troubling issue faced by Bangkok residents (90 per cent), followed by drugs (88 per cent), traffic congestion (87 per cent), protests and political rallies (83 per cent), fear of crime (83 per cent), garbage in communities (81 per cent), student brawls (73 per cent) and illegal foreign workers (61 per cent).

The survey drew responses from 2,013 eligible voters in Bangkok and 1,857 people in 17 provinces from September 5-15.

-- The Nation 2012-09-17

[jonclark]

Bit of a nonsense poll as neither the Dems or PTP have actually unveiled their candidates.