The Bangkok governor is a future prime minister.

Nakharin Mektrairat

Orathai Kokpol

Noranit Setabutr

Sutha Nitipanon

Bangkok is a metropolis with the potential to compete with Singapore and Hong Kong.

Its governor must have the vision and ability to turn it into a global city and an investment hub for transnational companies. The governor also can be a trendsetter, initiating his or her own projects.

_ Nakharin Mektrairat, dean, faculty of political science, Thammasat University.

The Bangkok governor should be able to deliver a better quality of life so residents can stop wondering whether they will die younger than folks elsewhere in this country.

With limited legal power, the Bangkok governor needs to work closely with agencies responsible for traffic, public transport, road construction and pollution.

No government will want to argue with the governor whose main goal is to give people good services.

_ Noranit Setabutr, secretary-general, King Prajadhipok Institute.

The Bangkok governor should try to win the people over to his or her side to make it easier when it comes to dealing with the government.

The governor should ask for support and cooperation from people, and consult them on what should be done to make Bangkok a better place. The governor also must create a new culture where BMA officials see themselves as service providers, and tackle corruption.

_ Orathai Kokpol, director, Graduate Study Programme in Politics, Thammasat University.

There is no Bangkok governor who can make miracles. But if a system is laid down for an ordinary person with normal ability to administer this city, that will be interesting.

_ Sutha Nitipanon, Bangkok district councillor, the Democrat party.