Non-elected Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang officially announced his resignation from the post today (Thursday), in order to contest the May 22nd Bangkok gubernatorial election as an independent candidate.
He told a news conference, held at the City Hall this morning, that he has already tendered his resignation to Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda.
Ending his five years, five months and five days as Bangkok governor, appointed by the military junta to succeed M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, Aswin said that he is not attached to the governor’s post, but he wants to complete unfinished work in Bangkok.
Assuming a top score of ten, he said that he had accomplished only five and would like to finish the other half over the next five years.
He insisted that he will not run on the ticket of any political party, but as an independent, with the support of the so-called “Rak Krungthep” (Love Bangkok) group, adding that, if elected, half of his team will be young people from the new generation.
Hailing from a province outside Bangkok he said that he had followed his dream and had done many things to bring back the good old days to Bangkok, such as clean rivers and canals and a less polluted environment.
Aswin’s resignation comes 10 days after the Election Commission announced Sunday May 22nd as the date for the elections of the Governor and 50 city councillors in Bangkok and the Mayor and 24 councillors in Pattaya City.
Several candidates have already announced their intent to join the race. Among them are former Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt, Dr. Suchatvee Suwansawat of the Democrat party, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the Move Forward Party and former Senator Rosana Tositrakul.
