By Supoj Wancharoen and Surasak Glahan
Democrat party candidate for Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin abruptly cancelled his appearance in a debate on Friday to prevent rivals from attacking him and damaging his popularity.
He will also pull out of all other events where he is likely to meet other candidates, said Ong-art Klampaiboon, the Democrat party's campaign director for Bangkok.
As the election campaign entered the final stretch, Mr Apirak and the party had decided to avoid any discussions that included other candidates.
on Friday Mr Apirak (No 5) was supposed to join a debate with another four key contenders — Kriengsak Charoenwongsak (No 2), Prapas Chongsa-nguan (No 10), Chuwit Kamolvisit (No 8) and Leena Jangjanja (No 7) — organised by the Bangkok Post, Post Today, Business Radio, TNN 24 True Visions, and Ramkamhaeng University Political Science Alumni Association at the Centara Grand Hotel. But he failed to show up.
A Democrat source said Mr Apirak was more popular than the others so he could afford to stay away. He wanted to avoid any mistakes in the last lap.
In his absence, the other four key candidates debated their vision for Bangkok. The election will be held tomorrow.
Economist Kriengsak was asked if he was up to the job. As an academic, he may not be tough or experienced enough, rivals suggested.
Earlier, he said he would not resort to excessive use of authority, but would act as a mediator.
Former Mass Rapid Transit Authority governor Mr Prapas, who is standing for the People Power party, said that approach may not work in reality.
"The Bangkok governor must be someone who dares to use authority, take action and make decisions, otherwise there will be no progress," said Mr Prapas.
He doubted whether Mr Kriengsak's selling point — that he is politically independent — meant he would really be free from any pressure.
The large team of experts working for him suggested people behind him wanted something in return, he said.
Chuwit Kamolvisit, an independent candidate, said people working for the economist would expect results.
But Mr Kriengsak was also asked if his policies could be too ambitious.
Ms Leena, an independent candidate, criticised Mr Kriengsak' plan to recruit 3,000 experts to work for him.
"Where can you get money to pay them, and what positions will you offer them?" she said.
Mr Prapas said he would work well with the government, especially to develop the city's elevated rail services.
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Democrat party candidate for Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin abruptly cancelled his appearance in a debate on Friday to prevent rivals from attacking him and damaging his popularity.
He will also pull out of all other events where he is likely to meet other candidates, said Ong-art Klampaiboon, the Democrat party's campaign director for Bangkok.
As the election campaign entered the final stretch, Mr Apirak and the party had decided to avoid any discussions that included other candidates.
on Friday Mr Apirak (No 5) was supposed to join a debate with another four key contenders — Kriengsak Charoenwongsak (No 2), Prapas Chongsa-nguan (No 10), Chuwit Kamolvisit (No 8) and Leena Jangjanja (No 7) — organised by the Bangkok Post, Post Today, Business Radio, TNN 24 True Visions, and Ramkamhaeng University Political Science Alumni Association at the Centara Grand Hotel. But he failed to show up.
A Democrat source said Mr Apirak was more popular than the others so he could afford to stay away. He wanted to avoid any mistakes in the last lap.
In his absence, the other four key candidates debated their vision for Bangkok. The election will be held tomorrow.
Economist Kriengsak was asked if he was up to the job. As an academic, he may not be tough or experienced enough, rivals suggested.
Earlier, he said he would not resort to excessive use of authority, but would act as a mediator.
Former Mass Rapid Transit Authority governor Mr Prapas, who is standing for the People Power party, said that approach may not work in reality.
"The Bangkok governor must be someone who dares to use authority, take action and make decisions, otherwise there will be no progress," said Mr Prapas.
He doubted whether Mr Kriengsak's selling point — that he is politically independent — meant he would really be free from any pressure.
The large team of experts working for him suggested people behind him wanted something in return, he said.
Chuwit Kamolvisit, an independent candidate, said people working for the economist would expect results.
But Mr Kriengsak was also asked if his policies could be too ambitious.
Ms Leena, an independent candidate, criticised Mr Kriengsak' plan to recruit 3,000 experts to work for him.
"Where can you get money to pay them, and what positions will you offer them?" she said.
Mr Prapas said he would work well with the government, especially to develop the city's elevated rail services.
Discuss
Add this link to...
Tell a friend
Bury
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