Let's see who wins Torpong Selanont, who is blind, drops his vote into a ballot box at polling unit 76 in Bang Phlat district. — SOMCHAI LAOPAISARNTAKSIN

Two-time failure to take vacation abroad

POST REPORTERS

Pavena Hongsakula, who lost to political novice Apirak Kosayodhin, says she will stay out of Bangkok governor elections for good.

She accepted her defeat but said it had nothing to do with the Thai Rak Thai's declining popularity.

``I will not run again. There must be other more appropriate candidates,'' she said. This was the second time she ran in the governor race. The first was in 2000.

Mrs Pavena refused to discuss her political future, saying she would continue her social activities, particularly her ``Pavena 24-Hours'' campaign. The politician said she plans to take a holiday overseas with her son.

Despite news reports that she was supported by Thai Rak Thai, the politician insisted she had fought independently, though Thai Rak Thai councillors helped her on a personal basis.

``If I had been truly backed by Thai Rak Thai, I should have won this election,''said Mrs Pavena. She believed her defeat was the result of mudslinging by rivals, although she would not appeal the result.

Yesterday's election was a twist for former governor Bhichit Rattakul, who monitored the poll result quietly with his family and members of his Worker Ant (Mod Ngan) group.

It was just a few hours before his 58th birthday, but luck was not on his side.

``My defeat was probably because I'm no longer wanted by Bangkok people,''said Mr Bhichit.

``In the future, this will be a reminder for me before contesting in any election, to reassess my popularity among Bangkok people.''

However, he thanked every vote given to him. ``I won't forget your votes for the rest of my life. These votes have come from people who appreciated my work as governor [during 1996-2000],'' he said.

He was consoled by his father, Bhichai Rattakul, a veteran politician of the Democrat party.

``My son may not be wanted by city people at this moment, but not forever. Just like when he was favoured eight years ago. Things can, and do, change all the time,'' said Mr Bhichai.

``As a father, I would've been glad had he won, and naturally I feel sad he has lost. But he will always be my good son,'' Mr Bhichai said.

Another loser, Mana Mahasuveerachai, said he was not sorry because he had done his best. Commenting on the unofficial poll result, Mr Mana said Mr Apirak's victory reflected strong public sentiment against the ruling Thai Rak Thai.

``This clearly indicates Bangkok people's disapproval of the government, and we must accept their decision,''said Mr Mana.

He thanked his key supporter, Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang for his devotion to the campaign. He believed people who voted for him did not do so because Maj-Gen Chamlong had close ties with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

He said he was happy that he had decided to contest the election, which provided a good opportunity for him to think of solutions for Bangkok's problems.

He would appreciate it if his proposed solutions are used by the new governor.

During the campaign, he found that most Bangkok people were not interested in the content of campaign platforms.

``I think a large number of Bangkokians were disappointed with politicians who failed to solve their problems, so they thought whoever they voted for would not make a difference. As a result, they chose a governor from the image they saw, not from the ability to solve problems,'' said Mr Mana.

He said he will stay involved in city politics, but will wait before deciding whether to run in the next general election.