Bangkok governor thanks supporters after winning second term
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Democrat Party candidate and incumbent Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra (centre) waves to his supporters as Thailand's former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2nd right) looks on before a news conference at the Democrat Party headquarters in Bangkok, on March 3, 2013. Thailand's opposition Democrat party retained its dominance in the capital city on Sunday as incumbent Mr Sukhumbhand shrugged off negative opinion polls to win a second term as Bangkok governor. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
BANGKOK- Thailand's opposition Democrat party retained its dominance in the capital city on Sunday as incumbent Sukhumbhand Paribatra shrugged off negative opinion polls to win a second term as Bangkok governor.
He beat off a strong challenge from Mr Pongsapat Pongcharoen from the ruling Puea Thai party in a tight race that was coloured by bitter national divisions.
In the run up the poll, the Democrats urged Bangkok's mainly middle-class voters against handing the ruling Puea Thai party a political monopoly through its gubernatorial vote. Puea Thai holds the 265-seat majority in the 500 seat parliament.
At the Democrat Party headquarters on Sunday evening, Mr Sukhumbhand, 60, fought back tears as thanked supporters.
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