Bangkokians don't want de facto govt

MR Sukhumbhand Paribat's highly deserved win shows that Bangkok is not a "red village" and sends a message that Bangkokians do not want their government being run from Dubai.

Sukhumbhand supporter Korn Chatikavanich, who offered to resign if his candidate lost, should on the other hand be recognised for backing the right horse and for running a campaign of no corruption, good policies and balanced power with the creeping national government. (Take, for example, the central government trying to get involved in the BTS renewal contract.)

Sukhumbhand did a very good job as governor. He was the only coherent voice except for the excellent Army chief during the floods. He has had many good ideas, such as extending the BTS and the BRT bus system, and the bridge to Thonburi. Hopefully he can implement his skybridge project all over Sukhumvit and Bangkok, since the one running from Ratchaprsaong to Siam Centre is fantastic, shady, clean, rainproof and flood-free. He deserved to be re-elected.

The poorest parts of the country - Isaan and parts of the North - are the only two of five regions in Thailand where Pheu Thai won the last national election. It should interpret the Bangkok result as meaning that the public wants clean and independent politics. Dubai's shameless role is a whole other story.

The Brain

Bangkok