Bangkok Governor Aims to Complete Unfinished Initiatives

BANGKOK — 7 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced his intention to continue his work following public recognition of improvements in the capital's administration over his four-year tenure, though he acknowledged the city's performance remains incomplete.

Speaking Wednesday at Bangkok City Hall during the final executive meeting of his administration's term, Chadchart expressed gratitude to officials and staff for their dedication throughout the past four years.

The meeting brought together Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) executives, Permanent Secretary Narong Ruangsri, directors from all 50 district offices, senior officials and related staff.

"This is our administration's final meeting. Thank you for working together. I have been very happy," Chadchart told attendees.

"I believe Bangkok has many capable people who work very well. Over the past four years, I have been impartial, but the public has told us that our work has improved. Many of our achievements have addressed people's needs, but we are still not at 100%, so we must continue."

Chadchart rated his own performance at five out of 10, while giving his team eight out of 10, commending their consistent efforts and cautioning officials to remain vigilant during the transition period.

He noted that the city's homelessness situation had improved through initiatives like the "Im Jai House" shelter program, which still has room to accept more residents, particularly given ongoing economic difficulties.

Chadchart warned officials to enforce existing street vendor regulations during the administrative changeover, cautioning that some traders might attempt to exploit gaps while a new administration takes office.

With the rainy season approaching, Chadchart directed agencies to assess flood prevention measures and carefully monitor construction projects that could worsen flooding, including Orange Line rail construction along Ratchadamnoen Road and projects near Banthat Thong Road.

Flooding had already struck 12 locations across Bangkok, prompting him to stress preventive action, including accelerated drainage and canal dredging during heavy rainfall periods.

The governor also ordered the Drainage and Sewerage Department to accelerate delayed projects, particularly the Thonburi wastewater collection and treatment system, noting that residents have suffered significantly.

Regarding foreign birth registrations, Chadchart instructed district offices to strengthen oversight and review whether registration procedures are sufficiently stringent, especially in districts showing unusually high registration numbers.

Ahead of upcoming elections, Chadchart directed all officials to remain politically neutral.

"We must build public confidence in the elections as much as possible," he said. "Whether it is the Bangkok governor election or council elections, everything must be handled equally. We must maintain neutrality and avoid any favoritism."