Bangkok voters heading to polls in gubernatorial race

Thailand is known for it lively, tumultuous political scene, and among the most colorful of races this year is the race for Bangkok governor.

There are many candidates for the job of heading Southeast Asia's biggest metropolis, and as the hours tick down to Sunday's polling, there are four top candidates:

Apirak Kosayodhin - The former Bangkok governor -- he completed his term in August and stepped down as acting governor in order to run for re-election -- has been the leader in opinion polls. He's known for his youthful looks and blow-dried hair. He's been campaigning on his "green Bangkok" plan, which includes burying power lines, adding bicycle lanes, building skywalks and improving public transport. Among his accomplishments as governor was building the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre and a citywide wireless Internet system, but his administration has also been dogged by controversy over irregularities in the purchase of firefighting equipment, a stalled bus-rapid-transit system and ineffective "smart" taxi stands. Another term as governor could put Apirak in a position to lead the Democrat Party.

Chuwit Kamolvisit - Controversial doesn't quite cover it when you're talking about this true maverick of a politician. The former owner of an empire of massage-parlour brothels, Chuwit's aggressive campaign billboards, featuring him gritting his teeth and rolling up his sleeves as if spoiling for a fight, has endeared him to poll respondents. It's not just for show. On Thursday, Chuwit elbowed a TV newscaster in the face and then kicked the man when he was down in an off-camera altercation. Chuwit said the Channel 3 newscaster, Wisarn Dilokwanit, had insulted his manhood. Wisarn has filed a complaint with the police, but Chuwit is still in the race.

Prapat Chongsanguan - Backed by the ruling People's Power Party, Prapat has worked to endear himself to working-class voters by posing for campaign posters while sitting astride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He's said his experience as a former goveror the MRTA, Bangkok's subway system, makes him the best man to handle the No. 1 complaint of Bangkok voters - the city's notorious traffic jams.

Kriangsak Charoenwongsak - The independent candidate also known as Dr. Dan has campaigned on a platform of enacting a citywide WiMax Internet service as well as pledges to create parks, institute a recycling program and clean up the city's polluted canals.

A fifth high-profile candidate was Leena Jangjanya, a lawyer and head of a beauty-products empire who is known for her bright pink clothes and high heels. She staged a campaign stunt that had her take a dip in the city's fetid Saen Saep canal, but it turned into a tragedy when her campaign manager drowned. After the incident, she suspended her campaign appearances but remained on the ballot.