Metta
Temchamnan
 Only
slightly less colourful and a real surprise for election watchers
is the candidacy of Lt Metta Temchamnan. Lt Metta is attached to the
Office of the Army Secretary but has said he would resign to contest
the Bangkok governorship.“The people of Bangkok do not elect their governors from among the political parties,” he told us.” They look more at individuals to see if they are capable enough to tackle the city's problems and can help them live more happily in Bangkok.” Although only a junior army officer, Lt Metta is confident he represents a fine choice. He has a bachelor's degree in political science from Ramkhamhaeng University. He hopes to win between 100,000 and 200,000 of the military vote as he has served under a number of senior officers. He has served under Lt-Gen Boonyang Bucha, former commander of the 11th Infantry Regiment, Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa, former permanent secretary for defence and later a deputy defence minister, and Gen Akradej Sasiprapa, a former deputy supreme commander. In his spare time he has been working in entertainment circles, and so hopes also to win the backing of actors. The officer said he also helps slum residents, especially those in Klong Toey, with drug suppression and by providing their children with scholarships. ``I myself was born in a slum. So I want to help the needy, especially those living in slums, out of their poverty.'' Lt Metta made newspaper headlines in 1981 when he was linked to a murder. He was acquitted of any responsibility. He was given the new nickname of “Tu Ting Li” at the time of the murder case as he was said to resemble Ting Li, a character in the television series Godfather of Shanghai. Many see him as a member of the military “mafia” accused of all sorts of shady and outright criminal behaviour. “I got the image of being a mafia [man] because of the newspapers,” he said. “I never demanded anything from anyone. Instead, I have made a lot of friends because I like to help the underprivileged.” Metta said he has never been involved in any sort of illegal business and had never provided bars and discotheques with protection. “My income is from my businesses and support from friends who I have helped in the past. It's a matter of heart and virtue.” The officer said he would run as an independent in the Bangkok governor election as he did not need the financial backing of a party. He denied his candidacy was intended to take votes away from any party. Lt Metta said he had known Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra since the prime minister was a police officer and aide to PM's Office Minister Preeda Pattanathabut. “I have a feeling I will be elected,” he said. “I am ready to be tired and to make sacrifices to solve Bangkok's problems.” |
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