Aswin 'stays fit' for Bangkok governor contest

Aswin 'stays fit' for Bangkok governor contest

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang talks to a vendor during his visit to Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Dec 21, 2020 during a campaign to limit transmission of Covid-19. (Photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya)
Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang talks to a vendor during his visit to Or Tor Kor Market in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district on Dec 21, 2020 during a campaign to limit transmission of Covid-19. (Photo by Pornprom Satrabhaya)

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang has indicated he stands ready for a gubernatorial election, although the date for the poll has not been set.

Pol Gen Aswin on Wednesday did not say directly whether he would run in the election for the capital chief, saying he has not decided but keeps himself fit.

The former deputy police chief was promoted by the National Council for Peace and Order to be the Bangkok governor in 2016 after the military regime ousted MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra from the position.

Former national police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda, who is also close to the government, is also tipped to be a candidate following his retirement last year.

Pol Gen Aswin said Pol Gen Chakthip had given him a call on the issue. "Have you made up your mind, my bro,?" the Bangkok governor quoted him as asking.

The government allowed the election for chairmen and members of the provincial administration organisations to take place last month. It will be followed by other municipal polls planned for March 21.

The former police generals would face at least two other contestants, Chadchart Sittipunt and former senator Rossana Tositrakul.

Mr Chadchart was popular when he was the transport minister under then-prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. He will run for the governorship as an independent candidate.

Ms Rossana has also announced her intention to run. She is best known for exposing corruption in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment by the Public Health Ministry in 1998.

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