T.V. talk show host Khun Pluem is leaving his hosting duties on shows Kae Dam (Black Sheep) and Pen Pluem (Being Pluem) to test the political waters of Bangkok.  Currently he is running pre-campaign activities around Bangkok to see if the people would Like him as the cities next Governor.

The post will open up in August as incumbent Governor Apirak Kosayodhin’s term expires. There will undoubtedly be many hats thrown into the ring but it will be interesting to see if Khun Pluem will hang around.

The outspoken talk show host says he won’t be looking to his father, former Bank of Thailand governor MR Pridiyathorn and a former Bangkok Post columnist, for financial help or to use his considerable clout. Khun Pluem plans to use his savings if it looks like he has a chance at a campaign and he believes it would probably wipe his savings out  but would be well worth it in the long run.

Khun Pluem is young, controversial, and has many ideas on what he would like to do in Bangkok. Most notably he would like to see the three main night life areas of Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong closed down as they are an embarrassment to Bangkok.

We’ll have to wait and see if his preliminary pre-campaign work pans out with the people. Currently he’s doing interviews and spreading the message with bumper stickers. When asked what he brings to the political table he responded “I will be the youngest, cleanest in the field. I will be a real alternative. I will be the Thai Barack Obama!” and just like Obama he doesn’t explain how he will be a real alternative…just that he will be.

Could be one to watch but I don’t think Soi Cowboy or Nana Plaza lovers have anything to worry about yet.

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