Chadchart Opens Up About Resignation, Works Until 5 PM Today; Hints at Future Focus on Urban Development
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphand resigned effective 5 PM today to run for reelection, emphasizing productivity and technology to boost the city's global competitiveness. He said his team will maintain operations during the transition a
On May 18, 2569 at Wat Maha Rat Noi School in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphand gave an interview following his announcement of resignation to run for a second term as governor, effective at 5 PM today. He explained that he submitted his resignation letter this morning, with immediate effect at 5 PM, as he needs to travel abroad tonight for his son Saenpit Sittiphand's graduation ceremony. This allows him to avoid creating administrative gaps and eliminate the need for an acting governor. He confirmed his intention to run for Bangkok Governor in the next election.
For this election, he will emphasize a productivity policy because Bangkok must now compete with cities worldwide. He plans to maximize output while minimizing resource use and enhance city efficiency through technology, comprising three elements: happiness, opportunity, and hope. He noted that in recent years, residents have become happier with improved quality of life. Going forward, appropriate technology must be used to strengthen Bangkok's position as an economic center competing with global cities.
When asked about concerns during the interim period without a permanent governor, Chadchart said there would be no problems as the administrative work will continue through his team and staff. He noted this is normal in a democratic system where there is such a transition period for citizens to choose new leaders. His team has performed well, and he is confident they will continue to do so.
"I have to keep working because they pay me until the very last second. There are many concerns," Chadchart said.
He mentioned that this morning he will visit Don Mueang district, the area hit hardest by flooding since his early tenure, where road construction is now nearly complete. He also expressed concern about several projects, particularly a wastewater treatment pond on the Thonburi side that is progressing slowly. He asked the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok to oversee these matters and brief the incoming administration.
His campaign team will consist of both existing and new members. He thanked his team and civil servants for their excellent work over the past nearly four years.
When asked if he still gives himself a 5 out of 10 score, Chadchart said he maintains that rating because self-assessment is impossible. However, he gave his team an 8 out of 10 and prefers others to judge his performance.
What pleased him most over four years was the responsive service format changes for residents. Systems like Traffy Fondue made officials recognize the importance of the public and significantly improved efficiency. Previously, resolving citizen issues took approximately two months, but over these four years it has averaged just 1.9 days.
When citizens request action, it gets done faster. People feel that power has been decentralized more and trust in the administration has grown. When he first took office, residents distrusted Bangkok, which had been plagued by corruption and backroom dealings. Now that has changed through structural transformation that brings government closer to people without changing laws, using appropriate technology with minimal investment but maximum returns. He pledged to become more proactive in identifying problems rather than just waiting for citizen reports.
