Police General Sereepisut Taem, 64

One-time commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, Sereepisut is widely known for not shying away from a tough fight. He battled communists in Nakhon Panom during the 1970s, forced Chonburi’s notorious crime boss into exile, and busted Newin’s Bhumjaithai Party for vote-buying. After being removed from office by Samak Sundaravej, during the pro-Thaksin politician’s premiership, Sereepisut returns to the political arena as a candidate. As an ex-top-cop, Sereepisut claims voting for him will put the entire police force as governor of Bangkok and that he’ll crack down on crime syndicates and corruption.

M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, 60

Bangkok’s last governor, a democrat, was elected in January 2009 and just resigned on January 9, 2013. He was preceded by another democrat, Apirak Kosayothin, who was forced to resign amid allegations of corruption surrounding the purchase of fire trucks (a contract initiated by the previous governor, Samak Sundaravej). Even in the democrat camp, there’s little praise for Sukhumbhand’s first term. But “Khunchai” is now brimming with ideas: a skywalk at Wongwianyai station to Saphan Taksin, reduced BTS fees on the new line extensions (On Nut to Bearing and Saphan Taksin to Bangwa), cheap housing for BMA officers, yet more CCTVs, etc.

Mettha Temchamnarn, 64

Ex-actor turned independant politician, army captain Mettha Temchamnarn ran in the general election in 1983, the governor election in 2004 and again in 2008. Mettha claims Bangkokians need to elect an independent candidate who can work with the current PM, and says his focus will be on the poor. He wants to surround Bangkok with rice fields where people can harvest and sell their rice to the government. He’d also like to build proper housing along the canals and make Thonburi a separate province.

Suharit Siamwala, 46

Better known as DJ Suharit, he was one of the first candidates to confirm his running through his Twitter account. This electronic DJ and wacky fashion icon (think Lady Gaga, only way before Lady Gaga) was formerly the managing director of his family’s stationery and office equipment business, DHA Siamwalla Ltd. As a musician and fashion enthusiast, Suharit’s campaign focuses on serious matters as well as creative ones. His policies include changing the education system in Bangkok’s schools which he believes needs to abolish exams and focus on the learning curve of each child. Then there’s his 50 districts policy to make every district in Bangkok special, building more family venues like sports and art centers.

Police General Pongsapat Pongcharoen, 57

He graduated top of his class at the Police Cadet Academy and was also the first of his graduation to make it to major-general, at the age of 40. He was only recently announced as Pheu Thai’s candidate after a long wait where Sudarat Keyuraphan was rumored to get the party’s nod. (In the last election, Sudarat got 500,000 votes while Sukhumbhand got 1 million). Pongsapat has yet to formally outline his plan for the city but has been bragging about his track record on the Narcotics Control Board, meaning security will probably be at the core of his campaign.Who will

Waranchai Chokchana

He ran for Bangkok’s governor election for the first time back in 1990. But Waranchai used to work as a civil servant back in 1976 before quitting his job in 1986 to run for senator, which was the stepping stone to his involvement in Bangkok’s politics. Having worked in the BMA, Waranchai has been in many political parties like Thai Rak Thai and the Democrats. Waranchai is now running this year as an independent candidate. Waranchai’s policy focuses on the implementation and development of public transportation to help decrease the traffic. Other policies include reducing the city’s garbage and pollution as well as cleaning out stalls.

Kosit Suvinitjit

He is a former CEO of Media of Medias company and Spring News channel. Besides being involved in the media industry, he was an advisor to many ministers. He is running as an independent candidate because, he claims, party candidates can not fix the problems and political issues we face, as they are the source of these problems. Under the concept “24-hour Bangkok,” Kosit would launch four policies to deal with our problems instantly: reducing traffic by putting more road signs, developing the education system (especially raising the standard of provincial schools), preparing for AEC culturally and economically, and providing 24-hour services for safety.

Bangkok vote for in the 2013 Governor Election