Bangkok governor candidate Mallika Boonmeetrakul Mahasuk pledged to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle traffic congestion and flooding, while rival Anucha Burapachaisri of the Democrat Party vowed to overhaul Bangkok's waste-collection system as campaigning intensified in the final week before the June 28 election.
In Lak Si district on Saturday, Ms Mallika, candidate number 14, visited Rim Bueng market, a busy commercial area. She was welcomed by supporters who raised problems they want the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to address.
Ms Mallika said the visit was part of her final campaign push, with only seven days remaining before the election, to seek support and promote her 14 strategies for Bangkok, which she said could be implemented immediately.
"At present, the poll puts me in second place but not by as much as academic polls suggest. Right now, I have a very high chance of winning -- the gap is so close I'm breathing down the leader's neck," she said, in reference to former governor Chadchart Sittipunt, who is running for a second term.
She said residents in Lak Si were mainly concerned about household finances, trade and the rising cost of living. She pledged measures to stimulate the grassroots economy and support small traders, community markets and small businesses.
She also highlighted chronic problems including congestion on Chaeng Watthana Road, recurring flooding, inadequate lighting, public safety concerns and poor use of public spaces.
Her proposed solutions include an AI Traffic Real-Time system, an AI Flood Radar system, expanded smart lighting and CCTV coverage, and upgraded public services.
Meanwhile, Mr Anucha, candidate number 5, campaigned with Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and senior party executives in Sathon, Yan Nawa and Bang Khae districts, visiting several communities and markets.
Mr Anucha said residents had responded well to the Democrat Party's five policy areas and identified waste management and flooding as urgent concerns in Sathon. He pledged to revamp waste collection after residents complained that separated rubbish is often mixed during collection.
He urged Bangkok residents to exercise their voting rights on June 28, saying Democrat candidates in all 50 districts would work alongside a governor backed by a strong party team.
