Apirak Kosayodhin enjoys a comfortable lead over other gubernatorial candidates, according to three exit polls.

At press time, Daily Xpress's tally shows Apirak holding a commanding, more than two-fold lead over his nearest rival from the People Power Party, Prapas Chongsa-nguan.

About 54 per cent of eligible voters yesterday cast their ballots to select who should govern the capital.

Apirak looks set to get re-elected. A Suan Dusit Poll says Bangkok residents prefer him because of his good performance and his hard work during the past four years, his policies, and his good behaviour.

The incumbent governor said in a TV interview that his team will be able to continue pending work immediately if he is elected.

Prapas comes in second

The Suan Dusit Poll said the strong contender from the Democrat Party had received 52.08 per cent of votes, followed by about 22.23 per cent for Prapas.

Controversial massage tycoon Chuwit Kamolvisit comes in third, with 12.10 per cent, followed closely by Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak with 11.40 per cent.

Exit polls by Abac Poll and Ramkhamheang polls show similar results, except that Apirak enjoys a wider lead in the Suan Dusit Poll.

The result signals that the Democrat Party is still the favourite political party in Bangkok.

Prapas denied that the reason he lost was because of his links to the PPP.

A break-up of voting shows Apirak making a clear sweep in Phra Nakhon, Yannawa, Pom Prab, Bang Rak and Samphanthawong districts.

Backing for Apirak in each of these districts range between 64.71 to 70.47 per cent, according to Suan Dusit Poll.

The same poll said Prapas had his best performance |in Bang Bon where about |32.54 per cent of voters back him. The constituency used to be a stronghold of Public Health Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung.

Chuwit's performance

Prapas also fares equally well in Sai Mai, Bang Khen, Klong Sam Wa, and Bang Sue districts where at least 26.44 per cent of voters back him.

Chuwit's best performance is in Lat Krabang where 24.06 per cent of voters support |his gubernatorial bid.

Up to 20.06 per cent of voters in Klong Toei, 15.05 per cent in Nong Khaem, and 19.41 per cent in Bueng Kum, and 19.08 per cent in Saphan Sung threw their support behind the former owner of a successful massage-parlour business.

Chuwit had finished in the third place when he ran for Bangkok governor four years ago.

Kriengsak gets his best results in Ratchathewi district, where he is the most favoured candidate among 15.69 per cent of voters.

His support scores range from 13.24 per cent to 15.35 per cent in Wang Thong Lang, Nong Khaem, Don Mueang and Sathorn districts.