Dr. Joe Resigns from Parliament to Run for Bangkok Governor, Paving Way for Krunapon; Says Competing with Chatchai Won't Be Easy

At 1:30 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at Parliament, Chaiwat Sthavarvijit, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, announced his resignation from parliament following his candidacy announcement for Bangkok governor. Though he expressed some regret, he emphasized that this opening represents a new opportunity for Bangkok residents, with the People's Party taking the Bangkok election seriously this time.

He acknowledged that finding a suitable candidate for Bangkok governor required a lengthy and careful selection process, and the party ultimately decided to put him forward. He stressed that the party genuinely prioritizes the Bangkok race, otherwise he wouldn't need to resign from parliament. He feels his new role as Bangkok's representative carries the same weight as his previous parliamentary work.

Krunapon Tiensuwan will replace him as a party-list MP. Chaiwat expressed confidence in the seamless transition, noting they've worked together extensively and will continue as a unified team.

However, Chaiwat admitted that had it not been for the complications arising from the 44-MP legal case, former governor candidate Wirojn Lakchanaadisr might have been the party's nominee instead. Since the case's outcome remains unclear, the party decided against risking Wirojn's candidacy.

Regarding his opponent, current Governor Chatchai Sitthiphan, Chaiwat described the race as highly competitive, acknowledging Chatchai's popularity among Bangkok residents. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in his bid to win and offer Bangkok residents an alternative vision for their city's future.

He emphasized that elections provide opportunities for citizens to choose change and improvement. He aims to present a new vision for Bangkok and better quality of life for residents.

When asked if the party's 33 constituency MPs would guarantee sweeping all 50 districts, Chaiwat cautioned this might be difficult, as Bangkok voters consider multiple factors in their decisions. The party's 33 MPs represent Bangkok residents' trust, which the party aims to repay by presenting a competitive gubernatorial candidate.

Krunapon noted that the party's candidate selection process included external candidates and considered policy alignment, collaborative capabilities with both current and future councilors, as well as parliamentary representatives. Given Bangkok's role as a transitional area requiring coordination with surrounding provinces, these factors were crucial.

He argued that given Wirojn's 44-MP case—which could pose future problems if a verdict is handed down—the party opted for someone with better communication skills, proven competence, and suitability to represent Bangkok moving forward.

Krunapon added that while Chatchai has performed well previously, he alone cannot drive Bangkok's agenda forward. The issues extend beyond minor infrastructure improvements to include major infrastructure problems and questionable budget allocations on multiple occasions. Additionally, Chatchai is not affiliated with any political party.