Independent Bangkok candidate Sopon Pornchokchai got down and funky with the 'Harlem Shake', the latest internet craze, to promote himself among Thai netizens as the March 3 gubernatorial election draws nearer.

The video clip was uploaded to YouTube by his staff on Saturday.

(story continues below)

On Sunday, the 72-year-old candidate (No 4) posted a message on his Facebook page telling eligible voters in Bangkok not to be afraid of choosing independent candidates.

"Some people say they want to vote for me because they believe in my knowledge and capabilities but there are voters who are afraid of the No 9 candidate [Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcharoen of the ruling Pheu Thai Party] or the No 16 candidate [MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra of the opposition Democrat Party].

"Follow your hopes and don't let fear affect your voting decision," the message says. 

On Feb 20, Mr Sopon swam across the Chao Phraya River close to Rama VIII Bridge to promote his campaign of raising awareness about river conservation.

Mr Sopon is the president of Agency for Real Estate Affairs (AREA), an independent property consultancy specialising in valuation, survey, research and information services.

Related search: harlem craze, bangkok governor candidate, sopon pornchokchai, internet craze, march 3 gubernatorial election, bangkok