Highest ever number of gubernatorial candidates register in Bangkok

The highest ever number of candidates, 31, have registered for Bangkok’s upcoming gubernatorial election on May 22. This will be the 11th gubernatorial election in Bangkok, and the first held in nine years. The chairman of Bangkok’s election commission said all candidates will be invited to the government complex on Chaeng Wattana tomorrow to be briefed on the election guidelines.

Right now, political scientists say the Pheur Thai Party will likely win the most votes, although this won’t guarantee the party success in forming a government. The party’s popularity is currently at 23%, according to a political science lecturer. The lecturer told the Bangkok Post that Pheu Thai policies seem popular with voters, and if its prime ministerial candidate has strong connections with its former leader, the party can draw a lot of votes.

The lecturer, Phichai Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket, said another factor involved in forming a government is gaining enough senate seats.

“If it captures 200-250 seats and has support from other parties, it will stand a chance”.

The election commission chairman said the commission will announce the list of qualified candidates on April 11. Those who fail the qualification screening can appeal before that date. 25 of the 31 candidates are men, while six are women. The oldest candidate is 72 years old, and the youngest is 43.

A candidate from Thailand’s Democrat party won the last election in 2013.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World | Bangkok Post