Chadchart Sittipunt rode a Bangkok Bike Sharing bicycle to register as a candidate for the 2026 Bangkok governor election, revealing over 250 policy initiatives. He hopes the public will give him a chance to continue his work after four years, noting that many things have improved and that efforts to combat corruption will continue.
On 28 May 2026, reporters covered the atmosphere before the opening of candidate registration for the Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council members. This was the first day set by the Election Commission (EC) for registration, which will continue until 1 June 2026, at the Irawat Patthana Building, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration 2 (Din Daeng), Mit Maitri Road, Din Daeng District, Bangkok.
At 05:09 a.m., it was observed that Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, former Bangkok governor, who was one of the candidates registering that day, began a live broadcast on his Facebook page. He stated that he would draw his candidate number for the Bangkok governor election by riding a Bangkok Bike Sharing bicycle, accompanied by his team from Stadium One on Banthat Thong Road, heading to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration 2 building (Din Daeng) to observe the city along the way under the campaign “Bangkok Works.” He planned to present his policies for the first time at 5 p.m. at Stadium One. He also exercised by doing aerobic dance beforehand and shouted to his team “Are you ready?” before setting off immediately.
At 5:50 a.m., after arriving by bicycle, Chadchart gave an interview to reporters, saying “We have done our best with heart, hoping to improve Bangkok. When asked if he felt pressured, he replied that he felt no pressure because he is doing his best. If the people choose him, he will serve; if not, he has other things to do. He has no burdens to carry, no political party to bear, and is simply himself.”
Regarding his competitors’ question about what he has done in four years, Chadchart explained, “Many things—quality of life has improved. We didn’t focus on just one issue. We improved sidewalks, flood management, air quality, education, and expanded public health service centers. If people look carefully, they should notice some of the work we have done.”
When asked about challenges, Chadchart said the world is changing and the challenge is competing with cities globally. Every city is evolving and must attract talented people and good businesses. Bangkok must not only compete with itself but also compare to other cities. Bangkok’s rankings have improved in many areas worldwide. The city’s friendliness and livability have gotten better. Going forward, efficiency must increase, corruption must be reduced, and business operations must become more effective.
Asked about unfinished goals, Chadchart revealed, “I have consistently spoken about corruption. It’s not just a Bangkok issue; if Thailand ignores it, progress will be difficult. Corruption is deeply rooted. Over the past four years, we removed 41 corrupt officials and worked with investigative agencies. This must continue. I believe using technology to disclose information and digitize processes helps improve statistics. When I started, there were over 100 corruption cases; in the last two years, around 20 per year. The situation is improving but will never end. It requires ongoing effort because it involves individuals.”
Regarding the economy, Chadchart said that although they don’t have authority to distribute money, they provide knowledge and opportunities. There is a program offering one million hours of training across hundreds of courses, including language and AI learning. They created marketplaces and improved street lighting with 100,000 lights, upgraded 1,100 kilometers of sidewalks, and reorganized street vendors from over 20,000 vendors—not canceling all but regulating those in unsuitable locations to improve order. The street economy supports urban residents and strengthens the larger economy, which must be developed as well.
When asked if the four deputy governors would remain, Chadchart said they would continue to help depending on their performance. Regarding team announcements, he said there are many talented people beyond the executive team—hundreds may assist, some preferring not to be publicly involved politically. Those willing to be introduced will be invited, including academics and artists. The team is large because it has no boundaries; members come willingly, independently, and with the desire to help.
Chadchart also addressed a question about talismans, saying he has none. Previously, he received a sacred amulet, Jatukam Ramathep, but he doesn’t know where it is as it’s been four years and he hasn’t used it. “It doesn’t matter; any number is fine,” he said.
If re-elected as governor, Chadchart stated, “I will be the same grounded governor, serving the people. Everyone is the boss—that’s the essence. Whether people choose me or not, I have always said four years ago that we must serve everyone, regardless of their vote. I hope not to disappoint the public. There may have been some disappointment over the past four years, but I hope many were not and will give us a chance to continue working.”
Regarding policies, Chadchart summarized briefly, “Our vision is a city that creates opportunities and hope for everyone.” He said people have been happier because life has improved, but going forward there must be opportunities and hope in four areas: people, city, systems, and economy. The action plan includes over 250 initiatives, ranging from major projects that will become new city landmarks, such as a pedestrian bridge across the Chao Phraya River, a western Bangkok urban center with an art museum, public workspaces, a food center near Khlong San, and upgrading the city plaza into a city museum. They have long planned to relocate the Sao Chingcha monument since the first term but have not succeeded due to unpreparedness, ongoing improvements, and additional drainage tunnels. They cannot have few policies for 10 million people, so they have over 250 refined policies covering all dimensions.
Importantly, private sector cooperation is essential. They consider employing elderly workers by partnering with private companies to create a platform to register seniors for work, aiming to hire 10,000 seniors. The key is private sector participation. Over four years, they have built trust, and if citizens and private companies join, progress can accelerate beyond the Bangkok government's own efforts. He concluded by saying he barely slept last night, only two hours, because he had to prepare his slide presentation.