The candidates for city governor are taking the environment seriously

Global warming is an issue that's worrying people, and Bangkok's governor candidates are wide awake to the problem. Each has come up with green policies to persuade Bangkokians to vote for them. Daily Xpress lists the policies of four of the 14 candidates.

ML Nattakorn Devakula, 32, is pitching his pilot 'Oxygen Road' project in every district as part of his plan to clean up Bangkok and give the city a new image. He says he will give awards to the most beautiful districts and the cleanest roads.

Nattakorn has joined this gubernatorial election with the concept that he will bring a big change to politics, and presents himself as a new-generation man who works hard.

He has hit out against the protest by the People's Alliance for Democracy, likening it to "political terrorism".

He plans to provide an appropriate place for demonstrators to protest peacefully, instead of the places they have used, which have caused problems for both locals and foreigners.

Nattakorn expects to spend not more than Bt10 million on his campaign.

He co-hosts a chat show, struts down catwalks, has endorsed a car and a toothpaste brand on TV, recorded an album, starred in a film and is even a newspaper columnist.

MR Sukhumbhand Paripatra, 56, the Democrat Party's candidate, aims to continue former governor Apirak Kosayodhin's green-city policy and focus on Bangkokians' safety and healthy relationships.

Sukhumbhand is campaigning under his "Bring back Bangkokians' smiles" slogan by offering more community activities together with building a network of non-governmental organisations and the government to improve education.

"I'll crank up green areas of 5,000 rai or four square metres per person, install 40,000 road lights and 100,000 close-circuit TV cameras in isolated areas," he says.

Sukhumbhand, who resigned as party MP to run in the local elections, used to be deputy foreign minister.

A team from the party led by Apirak and one from the PAD are helping him campaign.

Kaewsan Atibodhi, 57, secretary-general of the former Assets Examination Committee who helped bring down former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, is running as an independent candidate. Kaewsan used to be a Bangkok senator.

He uses transparent governance as the highlight of his campaign. He vows to reform procurement by making it more transparent. Kaewsan also focuses on taking care of homeless children by asking NGOs for support. He aims to continue Apirak's green-city policy.

Yuranun Pamornmontri, 45, a star-turned-politician, is campaigning under the Pheu Thai Party banner. He expects to get 400,000 votes.

 One of Yuranun's policies is to increase green areas and expand public parks. He's also focusing on building a 'sky market' for low-income people, announcing Sundays as family day and encouraging people to separate organic garbage to use as part of generating electricity and producing fertilisers.

The gubernatorial election is scheduled for January 11.