Incumbent Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra is still the top choice for the gubernational race, a recently concluded survey revealed.
The Abac Poll reported that Mr. Sukhumbhand garnered a 40 percent approval rate from random survey participants who have already chosen one candidate from several hopefuls. Former Thai Rak Thai executive Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan follows with 27.6% votes; 10.2 % went to former Thai police chief Pol Gen Seerepisut Taemeeyaves; and 7.5 percent was for Democrat party deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij.
The remaining 14.7 percent said they will vote for other candidates: Chuvit Kamolvisit, , Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong, and Damrong Pidech.
Mr Sukhumbhand’s term will end on January 10, 2013.
The survey was conducted by Abac poll on 1875 people from September 5 to 15. Among the areas surveyed were Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lop Buri, Chon Buri, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces.
However, majority of the responders (62.8%) mentioned that they were still undecided on who to vote for. Only 37.2% of the respondents said that they were sure about voting for one person.
According to the Bangkok Post, the respondents were also asked what aspects of Bangkok living they wanted those in the government to act on. Economic hardship and high costs of living topped the list at 96.2 percent; drug problems at 88.3 percent; traffic congestion at 87.9 percent; political conflict and protests 84 percent; crime at 83 percent ;pollution at 81.3 percent; student brawls 73.4 percent and alien labor at 61.7 percent.
