More fresh faces set for Bangkok Council
The run-up to next month's Bangkok Council election may not have generated a lot of public interest so far, but the atmosphere at the first day of registration yesterday morning was lively with several famous people applying to become candidates.
Key figures from the Democrat and Thai Rak Thai parties were among more than 1,000 supporters who showed up as the prospective city councillors lodged applications at the Thai-Japanese Youth Centre. Thai Rak Thai fielded 34 first-time candidates, and 23 former hopefuls. Among these, the spotlight was on newcomer and well-known actor and singer Amarin Simaroj. The younger brother of party deputy spokesman Pimuk will run in his brother's political base, the Bang Phlat constituency. Also for Thai Rak Thai, Puwanart Kunpalin, younger brother of former MP Puwanida, will run in Wang Thong Lang, his sister's former base. The Democrats, meanwhile, will field popular comedian Sapha Srisawat, better known by his stage name of "Dee Dokmadan", which should make for a colourful campaign in Huai Khwang. Some former councillors from both major parties have decided not to stand again so they can contest the October 15 general election. A total of 133 candidates applied to contest the councillors' election on the first day of registration yesterday, officials said. Thai Rak Thai registered 57 candidates yesterday, while the Democrats fielded 54 and the Chat Thai Party fielded two. Thai Rak Thai deputy leader Sudarat Keyuraphan said the party did not expect to wrest control of the council from the Democrats. "We will do our best," she said. Rather than pushing for all-out victory, Thai Rak Thai is campaigning on a promise that its candidates will serve as a check for the Democrat-dominated Bangkok Council. A Thai Rak Thai source said the party was well aware its popularity in Bangkok had fallen in recent years, but was confident its candidates would capture some seats. Meanwhile, registration for District Council seats began at the same time, with some 546 candidates applying on the first day yesterday. Among these were 247 Democrats, 241 from Thai Rak Thai and seven Chat Thai Party candidates. Registration for both the Bangkok Council and District Council elections will continue until Friday. Both polls will be held on July 23. Jeerawan Prasomsap The Nation
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