PHUKET: Former Democrat MP Chalermlak Kebsub, 50, won the poll for Mayor of Patong this afternoon on a promise of change and reform.
She defeated Pian Keesin, 70, who has been in control of Patong council for many years. The third candidate, Kittisan Kuru, trailed the two leaders.
Khun Chalermlak polled 4390 voted to Khun Pian's 3330 with Khun Kittisan recording 580 votes.
A total of 8639 voters out of 12,651 eligible voters turned out.
Last month as campaigning began Khun Chalermlak told Phuketwan: ''I believe everybody wants change.''
Khun Chalermlak listed her five key issues, with Phuketwan providing the explanations:
.. Public areas being used for private interests - the hills are alive with the sounds of construction.
.. Environmental destruction - Patong water is considered too risky for a triathlon.
.. Floods - Patong remains subject to floods because of construction over canals and on hillsides.
.. Traffic congestion - Parking and no parking zones have been taken over by tuk-tuks and taxis.
.. Mafia - in the Thai definition, groups of officials who feed off corrupt payments to break the law.
''Jump in,'' was Khun Chalermlak's message. ''If you want change, vote for me. I don't believe anyone wants these problems to continue. Patong deserves a brighter future.''
Khun Chalermlak was the leader of Patong Council and a national MP before Patong's mayoral system came into being.
She defeated Pian Keesin, 70, who has been in control of Patong council for many years. The third candidate, Kittisan Kuru, trailed the two leaders.
Khun Chalermlak polled 4390 voted to Khun Pian's 3330 with Khun Kittisan recording 580 votes.
A total of 8639 voters out of 12,651 eligible voters turned out.
Last month as campaigning began Khun Chalermlak told Phuketwan: ''I believe everybody wants change.''
Khun Chalermlak listed her five key issues, with Phuketwan providing the explanations:
.. Public areas being used for private interests - the hills are alive with the sounds of construction.
.. Environmental destruction - Patong water is considered too risky for a triathlon.
.. Floods - Patong remains subject to floods because of construction over canals and on hillsides.
.. Traffic congestion - Parking and no parking zones have been taken over by tuk-tuks and taxis.
.. Mafia - in the Thai definition, groups of officials who feed off corrupt payments to break the law.
''Jump in,'' was Khun Chalermlak's message. ''If you want change, vote for me. I don't believe anyone wants these problems to continue. Patong deserves a brighter future.''
Khun Chalermlak was the leader of Patong Council and a national MP before Patong's mayoral system came into being.
This is good news indeed, though, it may take time to see a difference. I just hope she doesn't turn into the damp squib the DSI was. Raising many peoples hopes, then dashing them with inaction.
Posted by sir burr on April 26, 2014 17:48