Thailand’s former transport minister, Chadchart Sittipunt, is set to be confirmed as Bangkok’s new governor after a decisive election victory on Sunday.

This is the first gubernatorial election in the Thai capital since 2013.

Some 31 candidates have registered for Bangkok’s gubernatorial election, with independent candidate Chadchart, 55, winning a record more than 1.3 million votes.

He has won so far ahead of his closest rivals who both garnered around 250,000 votes, according to unofficial results from the Bangkok Election Commission Office.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha congratulated Chadchart on Monday, government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana said.

Prayut assured Chadchart that the government would give him and his team all the necessary support for the development of Bangkok, according to the spokesperson.

Chadchart’s competitors conceded defeat on Sunday, but it could take up to 30 days before the electoral commission announces the official results according to the country’s electoral procedure.

“Once the election commission makes the announcement, I will be governor for everyone,” Chadchart said Sunday. (Xinhua/NAN)