The Phrakoklao Poll reveals that nearly one in four Bangkok residents remain undecided about the Bangkok governor election, despite Chatchat leading with 31.5%. The undecided group is a critical factor.
On 29 May 2026, the King Prajadhipok's Institute released survey results titled “Public Popularity and Early Trends in the Bangkok 2026 Election,” emphasizing neutrality, accuracy, and usefulness. The study adheres to academic standards and aims not to influence politics but to listen to the public’s political voice.
The 22nd KPI Poll was conducted by the Institute between 22 and 25 May 2026, surveying 1,600 citizens aged 18 and over across all districts of Bangkok. Key findings are summarized as follows.
1. If you were a Bangkok resident, what type of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) member would you likely choose? (Survey by x Line Today)
• 41.6% said they would choose independent candidates not affiliated with any political party, the highest proportion.
• Next, 20.0% would choose opposition party candidates, 17.6% would choose candidates from any political party, 3.6% would choose government party candidates, and 17.2% remain unsure or undecided.
➡ At the local election level, nearly half of voters appear to seek district representatives who are closely connected to residents, addressing specific local issues and not overly tied to political parties. Meanwhile, opposition party candidates receive significantly higher support than government party candidates, possibly reflecting a political mood using local elections to express demands for oversight, balance, or national political stances. However, a considerable number responding "any party affiliation" or "undecided" indicate the BMC race is still open.
2. Chatchat leads in the early phase, but nearly one in four remain undecided, which could determine the new Bangkok governor.
• 31.5% said if the Bangkok governor election were held today, they would likely choose Chatchat Sittipunt.
• Following are 13.1% for Dr. Joe Chaiwat Stawarawijit, 7.5% for Mallika Boonmitrakul Mahasuk, 6.6% for Police Lieutenant General Chanthep Sesawet, 6.2% for Mom Krom Kromluang Korakasiwat Kasemsri, 6.1% for Komsan Punwichatikul, and 4.9% for Anucha Burapachaisri, while 24.1% remain unsure or undecided.
➡ Although incumbent governor Chatchat maintains an overall lead, the high proportion of undecided voters shows the race remains open. This leaves room for other candidates to clarify policies, records, image, and public confidence in city management. The dispersed support among candidates also suggests the election may be a contest between "continuity of existing performance" and "new alternatives in metropolitan governance."
3. Chatchat’s base remains solid with nearly two-thirds support; Dr. Joe stands out with the "Orange Party" base; the undecided group is a key variable.
• Comparing to the 2022 Bangkok governor election, 60.7% of those who previously voted for Chatchat still support him, leading comfortably. Of those who previously voted for Sakolthee Phattiyakul, 45.5% now support Chatchat; among those formerly backing Suchatvee Suwanasut, 31.0% currently choose Chatchat, and 27.4% support others. For supporters of Aswin Kwanmuang, 29.7% now back other candidates, while 22.9% still support Chatchat.
• Among those who previously supported Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, 49.2% now support Dr. Joe Chaiwat, and 12.9% support Chatchat.
• Among those who previously supported other candidates, 31.1% remain undecided; among those who "do not recall/did not vote/do not wish to respond," 53.8% remain undecided.
➡ Previous voter bases still influence current election trends but do not fully determine outcomes. The election is not only a contest between incumbents and new challengers but also a struggle to maintain existing support, attract cross-group voters, and persuade undecided individuals.
4. Bangkok voters choose governors differently from parliamentary representatives: Chatchat leads across several bases; 'Love People' voters are divided; Dr. Joe closely contests with Chatchat.
• Looking at the last parliamentary constituency election, Chatchat leads among several party bases: Pheu Thai Party voters 39.4%, Bhumjaithai Party 37.0%, Prachachon Party 31.0%, Democrat Party 28.3%, and others 42.0%.
• Meanwhile, Dr. Joe Chaiwat scores highly among Prachachon Party voters (30.9%), closely trailing Chatchat in that group. Anucha performs well among Democrat Party voters (23.2%).
➡ This reflects that governor elections have distinct characteristics and may not follow national election patterns. Importantly, Bangkok governor elections appear to be contests where voters consider candidates’ personalities and achievements alongside their political preferences.
Summary from the 22nd KPI Poll
This poll reflects high uncertainty in the early phase of the Bangkok election. While Chatchat maintains an overall lead and retains some of his previous base, the large portion of undecided voters in both the governor and council races, as well as shifts in past voter bases and party loyalties from national elections, remain significant factors. Thus, this election is not merely a contest between incumbents and challengers but a competition to build confidence in the metropolitan future through policy, image, performance, and the ability to address everyday life challenges of Bangkok residents effectively.
