Apirak Kosayothin, flanked by Democrat party members, raises his finger to show his No.1 candidacy number on the ballot paper. Mr Apirak later staged his first campaign rally at city hall. — Apichart Jinakul

City people urged to fight money politics

Supawadee Susanpoolthong

Democrat heavyweights yesterday took turns attacking the Thai Rak Thai party at the first major campaign rally of their Bangkok governor candidate Apirak Kosayodhin.

Candidate Mana Mahasuveerachai is astride his bike with his name and No.5 painted on a cloth. _ JETJARAS NA RANONG

The Democrats accused Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's party of hiding behind the backs of other people. Thai Rak Thai was covertly giving support to certain candidates instead of joining the race openly, they charged.

Thai Rak Thai is said to be in support of Pavena Hongsakula, an independent candidate, and former Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul, who has yet to say whether he will run for the post again.

Pavena Hongsakulla, an independent candidate for Bangkok, gets a big kiss from a supporter. Her candidacy number is 7. Registration is open until Friday. — Jetjaras Na Ranong

Democrat party leader Banyat Bato yesterday urged Bangkok residents to vote for Mr Apirak and free themselves from ``money politics and dictatorship''.

Peerapong Thanompongphan urges people to vote for No.8, his candidacy number. One of his supporters wore a huge mask of the candidate to draw attention and enliven the atmosphere at city hall. _ JETJARAS NA RANONG

``Show them Bangkok people are too smart for them,'' he told the rally in front of city hall, adding that Mr Apirak's victory in the Aug 29 governor election would be a slap in the face of Thai Rak Thai.

The Democrat rally, hampered by rain, drew around 1,000 people.

Democrat executive Surin Pitsuwan called on Bangkok residents to stand up against ``parliament dictatorship''. He also appealed for votes for Mr Apirak from city administration staff, numbering about 80,000 people, saying the Democrats would treat them with respect, unlike ``others'' who treated them like company workers.

Left: A smiling Chuwit Kamolvisit raises his hands after registering his candidacy yesterday. The outspoken massage parlour tycoon is candidate No. 15. Right: Veteran politician Pol Capt Chalerm Yubamrung greets his supporters who came from his political stronghold in Bang Bon area. He got No.3 — Jetjaras Na Ranong