Denies Thai Rak Thai giving secret support

Bhichit Rattakul greets supporters at his office on Thiam Ruam Mit road, after announcing yesterday he is running for Bangkok governor. - BOONNARONG BHUDHIPANYA

Former Bangkok governor Bhichit Rattakul finally announced yesterday that he wants the top job at city hall again.

He made his decision known after yesterday's meeting of his Mod Ngarn Group (Worker Ants). ``I'll focus my campaign on three themes _ creating discipline, urging people to give back to the city, and ensuring public safety,'' he said.

Mr Bhichit, who has yet to register his candidacy, said he does not mind getting a two-digit candidate's number.

To date, 17 city governor hopefuls have already registered.

``I'm not worried about my late start. I have spent months thinking of what use I can be to the city and its people,'' he said.

He denied that the ruling Thai Rak Thai party was secretly backing him. Asked if he decided to run because there appeared to be no clear favourites at the moment, he said: ``I respect all the candidates. They are special in their own way. But I decided to run to give city residents one more choice.''

Mr Bhichit has yet to finish forming his team of deputies and advisers, but it would likely include former city clerk Kriangsak Lohachala, former Telephone Organisation of Thailand chief Thongchai Yongcharoen and SeaWrite poet Wimol Sainimnuan.

He also rejected speculation there could be ``vote-rationing'' between him and Democrat candidate Apirak Kosayodhin. ``This is not food you can ration out,'' he said.

On criticism that he loved publicity and always tried to boost his own image, the former governor who was once pictured clearing sewage during a flood said: ``I don't like desk jobs. I love to go out and work. I don't mind them saying that. It's just a joke.''

His father, Bhichai Rattakul, a former Democrat party leader, said he would support his son for governor.

``We owe the city a lot. I can make sacrifices.

``The public interest should be placed before party interest,'' Mr Bhichai said.

Front-runners, meanwhile, welcomed Mr Bhichit's decision to join the race.

Pavena Hongsakula, an independent, said the more candidates, the better for voters.

``It doesn't matter that he may take away some votes from me. My support base is strong,'' she said.

Democrat candidate Apirak said Mr Bhichit's candidacy would not affect his support base because ``the city needs a management professional''.