Profile of Dr. Joe Komsan, Son of Renowned Chinese Fortune Teller Phanuwat, Announces Independent Candidacy for Bangkok Governor

Introducing Komsan Panwichatikul, son of Thailand's famous Chinese fortune teller Phanuwat, who has extensive political experience and has announced his independent candidacy for Bangkok governor in 2026.

On 23 May 2026, after the Election Commission set the registration dates for Bangkok governor and city council members from 28 May to 1 June 2026, with voting scheduled for 28 June 2026, various political parties and independent groups began unveiling their candidates. Among them is Mr. Komsan Panwichatikul, who has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate, unaffiliated with any political party.

Profile of Dr. Joe Komsan Panwichatikul

Mr. Komsan Panwichatikul, nicknamed “Joe” and commonly called “Dr. Joe,” was born on 16 June 1978 at Mission Hospital in Dusit District, Bangkok. He is currently 49 years old and is a Thai politician active both locally and nationally. He is also the heir to the famous Thai Chinese fortune teller, Mr. Phanuwat Panwichatikul, a former senator widely known as “Sin Sae Phanuwat,” chairman of the Institute of Life Sciences and Forecasting, and Mrs. Suwimon Panwichatikul. He completed his secondary education at Triam Udom Nomklao School and earned a doctoral degree in Public Administration from Bangkok Thonburi University in 2018.

Career history of Dr. Joe Komsan

• Advisor to the Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from 2005 to 2007.
• Advisor to the spokesperson of the Minister of Industry in 2008.
• Secretary to the Parliamentary Committee on Communication and Technology in 2009.
• Bangkok City Council member for Bang Phlat District from 2010 to 2014.
• Member of the Audit and Confidential Documents Committee from 2011 to 2012.
• Member of the Traffic, Transport, and Drainage Committee from 2011 to 2012.
• Member of the Special Committee on Flood Relief Budget in 2012.
• Member of the Education and Culture Committee from 2013 to 2014.
• Member of the Economic, Finance, and Budget Monitoring Committee from 2013 to 2014.
• Member of the Special Committee on Construction of the Chao Phraya River Bridge from 2011 to 2014.
• Spokesperson for the Special Budget Committee of Bangkok from 2012 to 2014.
• Expert assistant to Member of Parliament General Singhsek Singhphrai in 2014.
• Advisor to the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office from 2014 to 2016.
• Advisor to Metropolitan Police Division 7 from 2014 to 2017.
• Member of the Audit and Oversight Committee for Police Administration (K.T.T.) at Bang Phlat Police Station from 2015 to 2017.
• Deputy spokesperson for the Deputy Minister of Education from 2019 to 2020.
• Advisor to the political officer at the Office of the Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2019 to 2022.
• Expert to Senator Dr. Phanuwat Panwichatikul in 2024.

Mr. Komsan also stated his achievements in promoting and supporting activities including:

• Monthly spay and vaccination programs for dogs and cats.
• Installation of 400 convex mirrors to improve visibility and reduce accidents.
• Installation of lighting at 300 locations to enhance safety for life and property.
• Fogging campaigns to eradicate dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
• Installation of temporary passenger shelters.
• Advocacy for budgets to build and repair embankments along the Chao Phraya River.
• Advocacy for budgets to monitor dredging of pipes and canals.
• Oversight of various budgets of the Bang Phlat District Office.
• Oversight of budgets for installing CCTV cameras.
• Promotion of Buddhism, such as organizing annual summer ordination activities.
• Provision of supplies and equipment for vulnerable groups, including bedridden elderly and disabled individuals.
• Coordination with district offices and relevant agencies for repairs of manhole covers, potholes, water supply, and electrical issues.
• Provision of scholarships for well-behaved and academically excellent students.

He has also received the “Srikulbutr-Kulthida Royal Tribute” award on 18 January 2016 and the 7th “Sing Thong” (Good Governance) award in the category of Outstanding Local Administrator on 30 March 2016.