Pol Gen Sereepisut Taemeeyaves has made public his bid for the Bangkok governor post in the upcoming elections.
The former Royal Thai Police Chief is running under the Palang Krungthep (Bangkok Power) banner, and will be going up against current Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra of the Democrat Party, amongst others. The governor’s term expires in January 2013 but as of now both candidates are unofficially campaigning.
Sereepisut has vowed to clean up Bangkok within a year in office. He said he will work hand in hand with former colleagues to crackdown on illegal operations initiated by syndicates operating in the capital. If elected governor, he says he will make Bangkok “perfect” before his four-year term ends.
He adds that having him as governor would be like having the entire Royal Thai police force in office. Sereepisut also stressed that taking care of 10 million Bangkok citizens will be easy since he used to look after 60 million citizens when he was police chief.
Pol Gen Sereepisut made his announcement at a press briefing that was attended by members of the Palang Krungthep Group and Royal Thai Police officials. The candidate stressed that his campaign would be highlighted by independence, shrewdness and honesty.
Besides crime, the former police official said he will be targeting graft and corruption once elected.Pol Gen Sereepisut locked horns with powerful politicians and criminal syndicate leaders during his career. Among his high-profile targets included Chon Buri godfather Somchai “Kamnan Poh” Khunploem, who was convicted for murder and fled Thailand.
He is also credited for cracking down a vote buying scheme against supporters of Buri Ram political strongman Newin Chidchob. The police general however, was relieved of his post in 2008 by the late former premier Samak Sundaravej over some political controversies.
To prepare for his candidacy, Pol Gen Sereepisut has been working quietly to build networks with community leaders in Bangkok. His supporters said that he is also working to prioritize educational improvements for Bangkok schools and enhanced public safety
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand, who announced his intention to seek re-election recently, welcomed the former police official’s entry into the gubernatorial race. He however said that he hopes his constituents would recognize his administration’s efforts and achievements. If elected a second time, he said he would continue with the projects he has started, the Bangkok Post reported.
