People in outlandish costumes gather in front of city hall with placards urging people to cast ballots in the Bangkok governor election on Aug 29. — Jetjaras Na Ranong

Apirak draws No.1, Democrats jubilant

Superstition ruled the first day of candidacy registration as candidates for Bangkok governor scrambled for the number they believed would ensure them the best of luck in the race.

While the No.1 place on the ballot paper, which eventually went to Apirak Kosayodhin, was still the most desirable, two candidates said they preferred No.5 _ Chuwit Kamolvisit, who wound up with 15, and Capt Metta Temchamnan, who placed at 9.

``Everyone has their own favourite number. Mine is number 5,'' said Mr Chuwit, a former massage parlour tycoon. According to Chinese belief, No.5 symbolises honour and achievement.

Mr Chuwit said he left home at 5.55am, and arrived at city hall in a car with a 9755 licence plate number. Capt Metta said his love affair with No.5 stemmed from his worship of King Rama V.

But the number went instead to Mana Mahasuveerachai, who was endorsed by Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang.

A carnival atmosphere developed around city hall, with drums, gongs, cymbals, a brass band and lion dances. Hundreds of supporters cheered on their candidates while armies of reporters and cameramen tried to get the leading candidates for interviews.

Supporters of Mr Apirak cheered and even jumped for joy when he eventually drew the auspicious No.1 position on the ballot paper.

They shouted ``Apirak Number One... Governor Number One,'' outperforming supporters of other candidates. His wife Pattama and son Anak painted the number 1 on their cheeks in soccer-fan style.

Mr Apirak, who was accompanied by Democrat bigshots, was very happy, saying the number was easy for voters to remember.

``I asked for a blessing from my father last night and he wished I would get this number and I did,'' he said.

Pavena Hongsakula, who appeared in a shocking-pink jacket, stayed calm when she drew out No.7 _ the very same number that outgoing governor Samak Sundaravej drew four years ago. She believed she would be lucky like Mr Samak, who won a landslide victory in the 2000 election.

A transvestite poses with campaign posters for Leena Jangjanya, a candidate for Bangkok governor, at city hall yesterday, the first day of candidacy registration. _ JETJARAS NA RANONG

``I don't wish to outdo Mr Samak. I just wish for one million votes,'' she said.

``I've been an MP for 16 years. That's 5,840 days that I've been working for city people, not just one month during the election campaign,'' Ms Pavena said.

Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung was careful to put his left foot first on the city hall stairway as he entered the building, believing this would bring him luck.

The veteran politician shrugged off his failure to get No.1, putting on a smiling face for No.3.

``I don't care about the number. In the end people will make a decision based on the policies and character of candidates. Beside, number three is good. It signifies the precious gems in Buddhism,'' he said.

Altogether 17 candidates registered on the first day for the Aug 29 election. Former city governor Bhichit Rattakul, who was expected to run, did not appear, while Tawatchai Sajjakul opted out and Songpol Suwannakut was found ineligible due to a lack of the required documents.

After registering, most candidates headed for their favoured divinities for a blessing _ the Temple of the Emerald Buddha or the City Pillar.

Some, like Ms Pavena, went straight to the King Rama I and King Taksin monuments to pay respect to the founders of Bangkok and Thon Buri.

Registration closes on Friday. The Election Commission said it would need a week to verify the registration documents.