Candadate No.15 Chuwit Kamolvisit is all smiles among cheering supporters at his election headquarters in Sukhumvit soi 24. — SAROT MEKSOPHAWANNAKUL

WASSAYOS NGARMKHAM

Massage parlour tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit called it a victory despite his loss in the Bangkok governor poll.

At press time, he was sitting in fourth place _ ahead of well-known candidates like veteran politician Chalerm Yubamrung and former governor Bhichit Rattakul.

``I entered politics only three months ago and have fought it out with the heavyweight candidates _ those openly or discreetly representing big political parties. Yet I still managed to grab so many votes,'' Mr Chuwit said.

``It's a victory for me. I have won.''

He looked relaxed and was all smiles during live interviews from his Camp Davis retail complex near the Davis hotel on Sukhumvit soi 24, while vote counting was in progress.

The massage parlour tycoon-turned-politician was at the centre of controversy last year when he was charged with ordering the demolition of Sukhumvit Square, a collection of small shops and bars on the corner of soi 10.

He denied the charges.

The controversy was followed by a highly publicised dispute with senior police, during which Mr Chuwit claimed he had paid bribes to many police.

Many believe his decision to run for governor was driven by his need for political protection, rather than a desire for the job itself.

However, he made a concerted effort to win the hearts of voters.

During his campaign, the outspoken Mr Chuwit portrayed himself as someone who knows where the skeletons are hidden, particularly where corruption is concerned. He urged city voters not to judge him by his dubious past but to give him a chance.

Mr Chuwit said he knew two weeks in advance that he would not be elected, saying the political tide seemed to be turning in favour of the two major political parties.

``It is clear Bangkok people want a balance of power. This is a major factor which decided the election,'' he said.

He spent about 20 million baht on his campaign, though he earlier said he intended to spend the legal limit of 37 million baht.

``Even though I was not elected, it was money well spent as people, not only Bangkok residents, could see me as a business entrepreneur, not just a massage parlour baron.

``It is a good start for my First Thai Nation party,'' Mr Chuwit said.

The money spent was also well worth the political experience he had gained.

Mr Chuwit said he was determined to stay in politics, believing there was much he could do.

Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a Thammasat University political scientist, said Mr Chuwit's popularity indicated people are bored with politicians.

``Mr Chuwit does not have a politician's image.

``He is a fresh face, a man who comes across as seriously wanting to solve city problems. This is enough to make some people ignore his past and vote for him,'' Mr Somchai said.