Speaking at a press conference yesterday (March 18) to launch her campaign, Ms Chalermlak said she would register for the election tomorrow. The election comes after the Appeal Court turned down an appeal by the incumbent Mayor, Pian Keesin, against his conviction for electoral misbehaviour.
“I am interested in running for Mayor because I have been out of politics for two years and have learned from working with local people about the many problems that have not been addressed.
She said that she will be running on a platform aimed at addressing five main problems in Patong:
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Occupation of public spaces by groups looking to make a profit;
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Environmental degradation and failure to maintain facilities;
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Flooding every time rain coincides with a high tide;
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Traffic problems including constantly repeating accidents; and
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Influential people and “mafia” activities.
“If the people of Patong cannot bear these problems, I will volunteer to solve them. But we must all work together – one person alone cannot solve them.”
Ms Chalermlak was born in Patong, where one street bears her family’s name, and has been in politics for years. She served as a member of the Patong Municipal Council and on the local sanitation committee before standing for election to Parliament.
From 2001 to 2005 and again from 2007 to 2010, she was the Democrat MP for Phuket District 2.
But she said she believes she can be more effective at the local level. “I have confidence I can win this election because I have decided to work for Patong. Whether I am elected or not, of course, is up to the local voters.
“Personally, I think that being a national politician carries less weight and prestige [with local people] than service in the local administration.”
“I decided to run in this election to take the knowledge and experience I gained from being an MP, and apply it to developing Patong.”