Bangkok governor set to resign ahead of re-election run

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is expected to submit his resignation ahead of launching a bid for a second term, local media reported. The resignation letter is expected to be filed with Thailand's Interior Ministry before Chadchart formally re-enters the Bangkok gubernatorial race. Officials at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters said Chadchart was absent from a scheduled briefing on revisions to the city's comprehensive urban development plan, with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon appearing in his place. When asked whether the governor's absence was linked to plans to resign before the end of his term, Wisanu said Chadchart had multiple engagements. Wisanu declined to confirm whether he would remain part of Chadchart's administration if the governor wins another term, saying Chadchart had yet to formally announce his candidacy. According to reports, Chadchart plans to travel to the United States after resigning to visit his son and attend celebrations marking his graduation. One of Chadchart's campaign slogans is "Invite you to work, to make the city work". He is expected to officially register his candidacy and unveil his deputy governors and campaign team on 28 May 2026. Officials said Chadchart's resignation would automatically dissolve the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's political executive team, including deputy governors, advisers and secretaries. During the transition period until a new governor is elected, the Bangkok permanent secretary, as the city's highest-ranking civil servant, will oversee the administration. City officials are also expected to finalise Bangkok's 2027 fiscal budget proposal worth 93 billion baht before the new governor takes office and submits it to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for approval.