Poster promoting the 2009 elections "Unite our powers once more, for a better Bangkok".
The 2009 Bangkok gubernatorial election took place on 11 January 2009[1], this was the ninth election for the governorship of Bangkok. The election was held after the resignation of the incumbent governor Apirak Kosayothin on 13 November 2008, shortly after he was re-elected for a second term on 5 October 2008. M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribata, the Democrat party candidate, won the election and became the 15th governor of Bangkok.[2]
On 13 November 2008, Governor Apirak announced his resignation saying: "Like the Democrat Party, I support a move that will perpetuate politics-for-people" at the same time maintaining his innocence and stating that his resignation should become an example of a change in Thai politics. His resignation stemmed from an indictment by the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC), in which Apirak was indicted for the controversial 6.6 billion Baht fire-engine procurement contract. The former Prime Minister and former Bangkok Governor Samak Sundaravej was also found guilty in the same verdict.[3]This triggered an automatic by-election.[4]
Campaign
On 1 December, the Election Commission allowed the registration of candidates. A total of 14 candidates registered. In accordance with the law, they picked numbers by which they would be assigned for the campaign. The three highest profile candidates were: MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, ML Nattakorn Devakula and Yuranun Pamornmontri.
MRSukhumbhand Paribatra, the 56-year-old candidate of the Democrat Party,[5] is a former Foreign Minister. MR Sukhumband vowed to carry on with policies initiated by Governor Apirak and to continue the environmentalist agenda. He ran under the slogan: "Bring back Bangkokians' smiles".
MLNattakorn Devakula, a 32-year-old Independent candidate, was a former TV host, popularly known as "Khun Pluem". He ran on the slogan: "Vote for me. Vote for the governor of the future".[6]
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