Pongsapat to return to police force

Failed Pheu Thai candidate hints he might run again four years later

Pheu Thai's failed Bangkok governor candidate Pol General Pongsapat Pongcharoen said he would tell PM Yingluck Shinawatra today he is returning to work as a police officer. He said he wouldn't take any political positions but would consider running for governor again in four years.

Pongsapat believed the duties of a policeman could help solve the troubles for people more than other occupations. He was not hoping to be the National Police chief, even though he had three more years in police service before his retirement age.

Pongsapat said it was normal for people to criticise him for returning to the police. But he wanted to work in a position that could benefit the community, such as solving problems like drugs and crime.

"I confirm I won't take up any political positions after receiving more than one million votes from Bangkokians.

"But in the next four years if Bangkok still has [the same troubles as] today, I may return to the Bangkok gubernatorial election again."

Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday the party would announce a gubernatorial team early next week to include four deputies, nine consultants, and a secretary.

'women must be given a chance'

He said at least one woman should be among the governor's administrative team. Such a suitable position would be as deputy Bangkok Governor.

The Election Commission yesterday voted to defer endorsement of Bangkok governor-elect Sukhumbhand Paribatra pending three investigations against him.

EC Secretary-General Phuchong Nutrawong said the EC voted 3-1 to defer the endorsement of Sukhumbhand for a month as allowed by the local administration election law.

Phuchong said Sukhumbhand faced three investigations - one by the EC and two by Bangkok Election Committee - over allegations that he framed his rival to cause misunderstanding among voters.

Phuchong said the EC is required by the law to endorse the victory no later than April 2.

Abhisit said the party was restructuring to bridge the differences between Sukhumbhand and party members. He said everybody understood the governor had many tasks and could not always join in the party's activities - but they were trying to reconstruct the system to solve this trouble.

Not just the Democrat Party, but also the Pheu Thai Party is restructuring its personnel and political strategies to capture Bangkok as a stronghold.

Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan yesterday called a meeting with party MPs, and Bangkok and district councillors. She asked them to report on the problems found after the gubernatorial election, a Pheu Thai source who asked not to be named said.

Saroch Hongchuwech, deputy party director, said the party would "set zero" or reset all the system. Such a meeting would happen weekly with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra attending via Skype.

Saroch also said Sudarat had assigned MP Vicharn Minchainant to follow up on complaints and objections to the March 3 Bangkok governor election.