Apirak Kosayodhin, together with Democrat leading members Banyat Bantadtan and Abhisit Vejjajiva, will roam the city to express graditude for voters' support, enabling a Democrat candidate to beat his heavyweight rivals.

Mr Apirak will begin the day at City Hall, paying respect to the establishment's main Buddha image before meeting with city voters.

The party also plans to put up large billboards soon that carry thank-you messages.

Mr Apirak vowed to make a difference six months after taking office. He said he would "review" himself if he failed to do the job favourably.

Mr Apirak yesterday unveiled six traffic-related schemes which he said he would implement immediately:

- Smart bus-stops, where waiting passengers will be informed of arriving buses and their expected waiting time.

- Smart taxi-waiting areas; these special areas will be marked with red lights.

- Smart traffic and road signs, which will inform motorists about traffic conditions.

- Smart taxi stands, which inform drivers about parking capacity.

- Special bus services on Kaset-Navamin road; the service would facilitate transport of people who want to use the subway.

- Special right lanes for use by buses and bicycles.

Meanwhile, Democrat party leader Banyat said the party would give Mr Apirak a free hand to run the city and work for the benefit of residents.

Mr Banyat said this while results showed Mr Apirak led the vote counting which continued late last night.

"The vote counting is not yet over, but chances are high he will win in this election," Mr Banyat said.

He said the party could not claim full credit for Mr Apirak's victory as city residents voted for him for a variety of reasons.

"The party simply used our existing political network to link with the voters," he said.

The opposition leader said the public should not be worried too much about bi-polar politics, and that there should not be conflicts between the Thai Rak Thai-led government and Mr Apirak if both sides gave priority to the public interest.

He also thanked Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for stating that he would support a new city administration team under the Democrats.

"This is local politics and what we want to do is to serve city people. We have to separate it from conflicts in national politics," Mr Banyat said.