Apirak set to sweep city election

An exit poll has given incumbent Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin a landslide victory in the city gubernatorial election, sweeping more than 52 per cent of the vote.

The Dusit Poll shows Democrat Apirak winning 52.08 per cent of the votes, followed by Prapas Chongsanguan of the People Power Party who received 23.23 per cent. Controversial tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit came third with 12.10 per cent and Kriengsak Chareonwongsak fourth with 11 per cent.

But Abac Poll gave Apirak a smaller margin of victory, with 44.07 per cent, followed by Prapat, 23.23 per cent. Chuwit received 14 per cent and Kriengsak 12.64 per cent.

The forecasts give Apirak a good chance of setting a new Bangkok gubernatorial election record for the highest votes received. Ex-governor Samak Sundaravej currently is the highest vote-getter, winning 1.01 million votes eight years ago.

The road back to City Hall may not be that smooth for Apirak. His rival Chuwit has vowed, after knowing the exit poll results, to pursue legal action against Apirak's alleged campaign violation. Chuwit said Apirak's use of photos of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration activities in campaign posters was illegal.

If the Election Commission found Apirak guilty and issued a red card, a new election will have to be held without his participation. If it issues a yellow card, a new election will be held but he can enter the race again.

In what looked like a cautious declaration of victory, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva thanked for Bangkokians' faith "in four more years of work" by Apirak.

"If the exit polls' results are true, we would like to thank Bangkok voters for trusting Apirak with four more years of work," Abhisit said.

He said the party was ready to explain all campaign activities questioned by its gubernatorial rivals.