Former Pheu Thai party heavyweight Chadchart Sittipunt, now an independent candidate in the Bangkok governor election, is still leading by a wide margin, followed by former governor Aswin Kwanmuang in a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The study was conducted from Tuesday to Thursday, following the registration of candidates on April 4. A total of 1,362 eligible voters from various levels of education, occupations and incomes in all 50 districts under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) were surveyed.
A record number of candidates -- 31 -- registered to compete for the Bangkok governor post on May 22 by the end of the registration period.
When asked who they would choose as governor, 38.84% of respondents said they would vote for Mr Chadchart, while 10.06% would vote for Pol Gen Aswin, who is running as an independent.
Meanwhile, 6.83% of voters said they would choose Suchatvee Suwansawat of the Democrat Party and 6.02% would elect Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the Move Forward Party.
The poll also showed that 2.28% of voters would elect Sakoltee Phattiyakul, a former deputy governor running as an independent.
A total of 26.58% of voters said they were still undecided on who to elect, while 2.94% would tick the "no vote" box and 2.06% would not go to the polls.
Some of the 31 Bangkok governor candidates were spotted campaigning yesterday in various locations across the capital.
Mr Chadchart went to Min Buri district and told residents that the BMA's income over the past two years has dropped by more than 10 billion baht due to a lack of tax collection posed by a government decision.
He also said the city's unnecessary expenses must be reduced, noting that if elected, he would propose new plans to raise revenue as Bangkok has many assets, including ones still in the works.
One of them is the Green Line, which will be vested by BMA after 2029, he said, adding it is expected to generate annual income of more than 10 billion baht from fares and advertising fees.
However, the BMA will have to pay for the operation until 2042, he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Sakoltee paid a visit to Khlong Chan Botanical Park and markets in the area for his campaign.
He said there is a drain pipe removal today and skytrain fee policies pending cabinet consideration. If elected, he would renegotiate the skytrain fees.
He said he believes there are opportunities to make the fees more affordable. The public and private sectors may be able to find a solution, he added.
Responding to Nida's Poll, Pol Gen Aswin said he's confident in his ability to regain the support of undecided voters.
He said he can climb up to No 1 in the poll by campaigning on behalf of his already successful projects.
"My election policies are not fancy," he said. "I'm the type of person who believes action speaks louder than words."
