Aswin considers staying on as he lays out city plans

Aswin considers staying on as he lays out city plans

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang has not ruled out the possibility of contesting the next city election and admitted he has been contacted by several people urging him to stand in the poll.

Pol Gen Aswin was speaking at a press briefing about his city development policy, named "Now", which will be carried out this year.

The event was held at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre in Pathumwan, where more than 100 city councillors and executives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) attended.

Pol Gen Aswin said a series of contacts had reached out to him to run in the next Bangkok governor election.

"I have not ruled out the possibility," said the governor, adding that he will make an announcement nearer the time of the poll.

Pol Gen Aswin was appointed as governor of Bangkok in October 2016 in accordance with a Section 44 order.

He replaced MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who was dismissed by the regime in the same month.

In appraising his performance, Pol Gen Aswin said he still had many plans to complete, so he would only consider himself 50% satisfied with his achievements.

"There are still various issues which have yet to be rectified as anticipated," the governor said.

The governor has also opened online channels where people can contact the BMA more directly, adding this should make it easier for people to voice opinions about issues and problems facing the city.

Pol Gen Aswin also unveiled plans for city development over the next 100 days, 200 days, 300 days and one year, insisting they were not aimed at courting favour amongst residents ahead of his election bid.

The 100-day plan includes mobile services for medication, registration, animal welfare and job training in local communities; the expansion of five BMA-affiliated hospitals; 10 new underground water-retention facilities as part of the so-called "Water Bank" project; and opening a 30-rai public park, called Suan Bueng Lampai, in Min Buri.

The 200-day plan includes offering 100 scholarships for students to study English in Australia. Two public parks will also be opened in Bang Kae and Bang Bon.

Under the 300-day plan, nine roads will be decorated with plants, and another 20-rai public park will be opened under the overpass on Kanchanaphisek Road.

Finally, the governor said that next year two new hospitals in Klong Sam Wa and Bang Na will be opened.

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