Biography of “Dr. John” Surachit Pongsingwit, former chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and councilor who set a record for the highest election votes among 50 districts, and a leading figure in the “Better Bangkok” group.
On 18 May 2026, he was known as a former member of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council affiliated with the Pheu Thai Party, who later decided to establish a group. “Better Bangkok” or "A Better Bangkok," which declared support for Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt to serve another term as Bangkok governor, along with several fellow councilors. He is “Dr. John,” Mr. Surachit Pongsingwit, nicknamed “John Comes, Problems Gone.”
Although Dr. John served only one term as councilor in 2022, he was elected as Lat Krabang councilor with a record-high 38,130 votes, representing 51% of voters in Lat Krabang— the highest vote count among all 50 Bangkok districts.
Regarding his background, “Dr. John” Surachit Pongsingwit was born on 17 June 1980 and is 46 years old.
His family is of Thai-Indian descent. His grandfather was a Sikh immigrant who sought refuge under King Rama V’s reign, his father was born in Talat Phlu, Thonburi side, and his mother is Indian. The family’s business base is in the textile trade in Khon Kaen province.
Education He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Khon Kaen University.
- Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia.
- Master’s degree in Professional Accounting from the University of Western Sydney, Australia.
- Doctorate degree (Professional Doctorates) from Central Queensland University, Australia.
Work experience and political career
Before becoming a councilor, he served as vice chairman of the Lat Krabang Cultural Council, election director for Lat Krabang in 2013, and worked as secretary to the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives.
- On 6 June 2022, Mr. Surachit entered local politics and was elected as Lat Krabang councilor for the first term under the Pheu Thai Party and was elected as the 24th chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council on 6 June 2024.
At that time, he expressed a vision to make Lat Krabang an economic center. Due to its proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport, it could be developed into a hub for logistics, tourism, and business investment. Developing transportation networks and connectivity would be a key mission to facilitate convenient travel and business operations, strengthening both the local and national economy.
Although Mr. Surachit had served only one term as councilor, his election as chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council shows that this “Dr. John” is no ordinary figure. Before entering local politics, he was friends with “Im” Theerarat Samretwanit. In 2010, he was recruited to assist behind the scenes in election campaign planning until his friend was elected as a member of parliament. He continued to help and assist local residents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Surachit admitted this was likely a key factor in his electoral success.
On 30 July 2025, Mr. Surachit resigned from his position as chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council. Two months later, he also resigned from the Pheu Thai Party, citing that the party’s environment in Bangkok did not support him to work fully for the public. The ensuing conflict with party secretary Sarawong Thienthong at that time was merely a pretext to cover the real reasons.
On 31 March 2026, Mr. Surachit announced the establishment of the “Better Bangkok” group, describing it as an independent group promoting policies of Governor Chadchart, although later Chadchart denied any affiliation with the Better Bangkok group.
Work history in the Bangkok Metropolitan Council
- Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (6 June 2024 – 30 July 2025)
- Standing committees 2022 - 2024
1. Member, Council Affairs Committee
2. Member, Public Health Committee
3. Member, Drainage Committee
