Duangrit Unveils 27 Prospective Bangkok Council Candidates Advisor to Chatchat Attends, Declines to Comment on Shared Green Color

Politic23 May 2026 18:47 GMT+7

The head of the Worker Group unveiled 27 prospective candidates for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC). He expressed no worry about criticism that they are riding on the shadow of Chatchat. He stated they have a clear ideology, declined to comment on sharing the green color symbol, and affirmed readiness to work with any governor if the fit is right. Former advisor to Chatchat, Tosak, also joined the event.

On 23 May 2026 at the Tobacco Factory, following an event for prospective Bangkok Metropolitan Council members from the Worker Group, Duangrit Benjathikul Chairungruang, the team leader, said the most important duty of a BMC member is to establish systems and amend regulations to meet the needs of Bangkok residents. The group unites professionals from various fields, each expert in their area, who come together as a team, acknowledging each other’s skills. Crucially, they share an independent ideology to serve the people of Bangkok.

Duangrit continued that each prospective BMC candidate already has plans and projects to pursue if given the opportunity. He acknowledged that previous campaigns might have leaned toward the executive side, but now as council members, their role is legislative. Therefore, they must work diligently and to the best of their abilities.

When asked which prospective Bangkok governor candidate they would support, Duangrit said they discussed the need for someone with matching ideology, committed to working for the city and its people. The Worker Group fully supports a candidate whose ideology, work approach, and goals align with theirs.

Regarding the use of the green symbol, which coincides with that of former Bangkok Governor Chatchat Sithipan, Duangrit explained that the green color comes from the heart. The Worker Group agreed on this color from the start, maintaining it unchanged since day one. They stand by this ideology and approach, keeping green as their distinctive and attractive color.

As for the presence of Tosak Chotimongkol, former advisor to Chatchat, at today’s event, and whether it signals anything, Duangrit said Tosak is a very respected senior figure who helps pass knowledge to them. His expertise and experience working for Bangkok residents are valuable and shared with the group.

In response to criticism that the Worker Group is merely a shadow of Chatchat, Duangrit said, "I am a big figure; I am outside that shadow." He believes their determination, especially in establishing good systems and amending regulations, is what Bangkok residents will appreciate. If the public sees this as positive, they will support the group’s work, regardless of past governors or anyone else.

When asked if he is concerned about criticism of riding on Chatchat’s wave, Duangrit said he is not worried because they have had a clear stance from the beginning regarding ideology and work approach. They are not a political party but an independent group. Some members prefer not to engage in politics but are comfortable joining the team to contribute opinions.