Chadchart Won't Back Down! Set for Second Bangkok Governor Race, No Landslide Hoped For, Acknowledges Pheu Thai's Strength
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphan signaled he will likely run for re-election while acknowledging Pheu Thai's strong support in the city makes a landslide victory impossible and will require his team to work harder.
On May 7, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chadchart Sittiphan gave an interview regarding his political direction and prospects for running in the second Bangkok governor election, indicating a strong likelihood he will seek re-election to continue his work. However, he stated he is currently focused on performing his duties as governor excellently until his term concludes, after which he will make an official announcement.
Regarding his administrative team, most will remain unchanged, though some consideration may be given to personnel adjustments for advisory positions in the future.
Chadchart said he is not concerned about other candidates announcing their bids, viewing it positively for democracy as it provides voters with diverse choices and sparks new ideas for urban development. He noted that since he currently serves as governor and receives a salary, he must give priority to performing his present duties to the best of his ability.
"Regarding running for a second term as Bangkok governor, I acknowledge there is a strong possibility I will continue," Chadchart said. "But I want to do my current job excellently first until my term is complete. As for a landslide—to be frank, there is no way. The latest parliamentary election clearly shows that the Pheu Thai Party is very strong and popular in Bangkok."
This election will be an intense competition, and his camp must perform at full capacity without viewing anyone as an enemy, but instead offering the best options for the public to decide. If they return to office, they can adopt good policies from others. If they don't return, their beneficial policies can be adopted by others as well.
When asked if Pheu Thai's candidate entry makes the Bangkok race difficult, Chadchart acknowledged that Pheu Thai makes things tough for him as well, as they have strong support in Bangkok. "That's good—it makes us work harder," he said.
Regarding confidence in this election, Chadchart said he cannot be confident as he must prioritize listening to the public's voice. He has no expectations or concerns, as his work is independent and involves no personal financial investment, so there is nothing to lose if he doesn't continue.
He believes his four-year track record will inform public decision-making. As a sitting official, it is natural that some people are satisfied and some are not.
When asked about the importance of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) support in this election, Chadchart stated that the BMC is crucial for passing laws and budgets. He wants a quality, transparent council that genuinely works for the people. Currently, he has not announced special support for any particular faction, but in the future, if he finds candidates whose approach aligns well with his, he may consider supporting them.
Regarding future work policies, Chadchart confirmed he will continue advancing capillary economics alongside major infrastructure projects, using appropriate technology to maximize city efficiency. He noted that people have seen improvements in daily life from the capillary focus, but both elements must proceed together—like a body that needs both major and minor blood vessels to be strong.
On budget management, Chadchart stated that Bangkok followed balanced budget principles. In 2024, revenues exceeded projections by over 5 billion baht through cost savings and efficient revenue collection.
