The registration of candidates for the Bangkok governor election on June 28 began at City Hall in Din Daeng district of the capital on Thursday morning.
City clerk Narong Ruangsri, in his capacity as the election director of Bangkok, started the process at 8.30am. Thirteen candidates already present came forward to join a draw to pick their candidacy number.
Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who is seeking a second term, was first in line, arriving at 5.47am. He rode a bicycle from a nearby electric train station. Some of his former deputy governors followed him.
Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, a deputy leader and candidate of the People’s Party, arrived on buses with the party’s Bangkok council candidates at 7am. Democrat Party candidate Anucha Burapachaisri and the party’s councillor candidates showed up with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva at 7.30am.
Supporters of candidates were located away from the candidacy registration venue to limit traffic impact as the registration of Bangkok councillor candidates was taking place simultaneously.
There are about 4.5 million eligible voters in the capital and there will be 6,629 poll units for the June 28 election.
A budget of 294 million baht has been allocated for the election for governor and 50 council seats. City officials expect voter turnout to exceed the roughly 60% recorded in the 2022 poll as the number of eligible voters has risen.
.png?w=600)
