Chadchart confirmed that after his term ends on 21 May, he will definitely announce whether he will run again for Bangkok governor. He explained that there is no need to rush this decision. He is concerned that if he says he will not run, people might lose interest, but if he says he will run, everything he does will be seen as campaigning. He admitted that he already has a plan in mind and preparations made.
On 24 April 2026, Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, congratulated Thairath TV on its 12th anniversary. He said 12 years have passed quickly; on the day the station launched, he attended an event at Soi Lasalle while serving as a minister. He wished Thairath TV continued quality broadcasting and a happy birthday.
When asked if he will run for another four-year term as Bangkok governor, Chadchart said there is no need to rush the announcement. He has a fairly clear answer in mind but doesn’t feel compelled to declare it quickly because ultimately, his words will define him. If he announces he won’t run, people might not believe it; if he says he will, it will be seen as electioneering. For now, he wants to focus on fieldwork and will announce his decision at the appropriate time. He has prepared options and noted that with his term ending on 21 May 2026, there is still about a month left.
Asked whether the general expectation is that he will definitely run again, Chadchart replied that it depends, but he has not confirmed anything yet. When the time comes, he will make an announcement. He hopes that many candidates will run so that the public has choices in a democratic system. The unfinished work he wants to complete before his term ends involves transparency, fighting corruption, and public welfare, which he considers major issues. He also aims to improve city efficiency by using fewer resources for the same output or more resources for increased output. When asked what he hopes the next governor will continue, Chadchart said good initiatives should be continued while new ideas should replace less effective ones. He hopes the next governor will continue or enhance the successful Traffy Fondue policy.
When asked about the public’s apparent hope for a successor to continue his work, Chadchart said that in a democracy, the priority is to ensure the public gets the best leader. It should not be about any individual because the system functions independently. When the time comes, the best candidate will be chosen. He believes the new leader will likely be even better, as progress is continuous. He stated that he is open to anyone.
“Regardless of the role I play, I will continue to help the city. If I become governor again, I will keep pushing forward; if not, I will support through foundations or other means. I believe I have not disappeared anywhere.”
When asked why he waits to announce whether he will run for governor, Chadchart explained that if he announces he is running, people might stop paying attention to the significant amount of work left in the last month. If he says he won’t run, some might disengage or reduce effort. If he announces his candidacy, his role shifts from governor to candidate, and his usual duties become campaign activities. He wants to perform his governor duties properly without the distraction of campaigning. Therefore, he thinks it is best to wait until the right time to announce, though he already has a decision and is preparing.
When asked when he might make the announcement, Chadchart said it will be around the end of his term on 21 May.