There is a strong possibility that Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang will seek to return to office and compete in the election later this year, according to the Rak Krung Thep group.
The group, which supports the incumbent, said the Bangkok governor and Pattaya city mayor elections were approved by the cabinet last week.
The elections are likely to take place in May. The Election Commission (EC), which has the authority to set election dates, will meet tomorrow to discuss organising the polls.
Previously, it was thought that Pol Gen Aswin would not run in the Bangkok election. However, the group said he would counter the notion.
Pol Gen Aswin was appointed as Bangkok governor by the now-dissolved National Council for Peace and Order in 2016.
Suchai Pongpianchob, secretary-general of the group, said Pol Gen Aswin possesses the character and experience to lead again due to his achievements in running City Hall over the past five years.
Some urban projects are pending and Pol Gen Aswin should be there to oversee them, Mr Suchai added.
City Hall, with Pol Gen Aswin at the helm, has managed to spruce up Klong Ong Ang and turn it into a leisure spot in the centre of the capital. He also campaigned for Covid-19 vaccinations and brought power lines underground.
Mr Suchai said his group has a network of supporters in 43 districts in Bangkok, and they are ready to help drive Pol Gen Aswin's election campaign.
Meanwhile, Suchatvee Suwansawat, the Democrat Party's Bangkok gubernatorial candidate, downplayed opinion polls putting him behind some candidates.
Consistently in the lead in several polls is Chadchart Sittipunt, a former transport minister under the Yingluck Shinawatra administration, who is standing for the Bangkok election as an independent.
Mr Suchatvee announced his bid for the governorship two months ago. He and the Democrat's potential candidates for city council have hit the ground running with election projects to improve quality of life, livelihoods, education and public health, he said.
He aimed to tackle the capital's persistent problems, including traffic congestion, pollution and other environmental issues. Projects covering these topics will be announced by the party.
Mr Suchatvee said that according to the polls, he is trailing behind Mr Chadchart. However, Mr Suchatvee said he still has time to convince voters to elect him.
A Bangkok governor should not be ensnared in politics as many problems need fixing, Mr Suchatvee said.
