Former Governor in Patong poll wrangle

PATONG: A former Governor of Phuket has complained about his name and photo being used in the Patong municipal election campaign without his knowledge. Prof Yuwath Wuthimethee, who was governor of Phuket almost 10 years ago, demanded that mayoral candidate Pian Keesin remove his picture from election material being circulated by the Palang Patong Party (Patong Power-PPP). Prof Yuwath, now Chairman of the Ayudhaya Election Commission, sent his complaint to his counterpart in Phuket on October 2, saying he had not taken sides in the Patong election and indeed, in his present position, had to be neutral. PPP spokesman Sarayuth Mallum said yesterday that the photo and name of the professor would be removed from election material in the run-up to the vote on November 16 and 17. The election campaign has already seen K. Pian’s rival, Surasak Maneesri, ordered to step down as mayor amid allegations of disreputable behavior.