In the 2026 Bangkok gubernatorial election, "Joe Chaiwat" leads the People's Party councilor candidates in campaigning across Taling Chan and Thawi Watthana districts. They emphasize overhauling construction standards, developing areas to boost commerce, and propose a Bangkok-specific SME receipt lottery policy to stimulate the economy.
On 31 May 2026, Mr. Chaiwat Sathaworawijit, People's Party candidate for Bangkok governor, along with People's Party candidates for Bangkok councilors, campaigned and met residents in Bangkok. They discussed policies to address local problems in each district. In the morning, Mr. Chaiwat campaigned with Mr. Kantapong Deechaiya, People's Party councilor candidate for Taling Chan district, at Suan Phak Market. They inspected traffic congestion on Suan Phak Road and sewage system issues at Khlong San Chao, Soi Suan Phak 17/1, caused by unfinished contractor work resulting in inefficient drainage and recurring flooding during rain.
After meeting residents and inspecting the site, Mr. Chaiwat commented that this problem is common across many Bangkok districts, caused by insufficiently controlled substandard construction. Besides poor workmanship, it also raises safety concerns during and after construction. Therefore, a key policy of the People's Party governor team is to raise safety standards in construction projects, especially those by Bangkok government agencies. Bangkok has the authority to enact regulations to enforce contractors' compliance, such as mandating installation and disclosure of CCTV footage at all construction sites and clearly marking pedestrian pathways with lighting in all construction zones.
Importantly, future contractor selection must incorporate data on accident rates, delays, and violations. Safety checklists in construction permits should be publicly accessible. A review system based on evaluations from collaborators and public complaints will be established. Disclosure of third-party insurance contracts will be required to compensate the public without legal action. Contractors must include Temporary Works and Site Protection items explicitly in the BOQ; failure to do so will result in work suspension and penalties for contractors and Bangkok supervisors.
Mr. Chaiwat added that construction standards are a daily challenge for all Bangkok residents. During construction, there are safety and inconvenience issues; after completion, problems arise from poor-quality work. Much of this stems from Bangkok's construction oversight structure that doesn't compel contractors to consider potential impacts on residents. Bangkok can enact regulations to enforce all these measures. Previously, contractors have operated with lax oversight, causing accumulated problems in many areas. The People's Party governor team will act immediately upon gaining public trust to prevent Bangkok from repeatedly applying superficial fixes, aiming instead to prevent such problems from recurring.
Later in the morning, Mr. Chaiwat campaigned with Mr. Natthanont Naklor, People's Party councilor candidate for Thawi Watthana district, at Thonburi Market. Mr. Chaiwat noted that public transport and public spaces like exercise parks remain lacking. This is a priority they intend to promote. The Thawi Watthana councilor candidate will push for a cooler city agenda by leveraging the Bangkok Canal mega-project policy, improving walkways and bike paths along canals, and listening to economic and trade concerns from small vendors and shoppers. Many expressed that current trade activity is sluggish and quieter than before. If elected governor, Mr. Chaiwat was asked to address trade and economic issues.
Mr. Chaiwat further revealed that during campaigning and community meetings, especially in commercial areas expected to be lively, vendors have complained that markets are currently quiet and less bustling than before. Although Bangkok lacks direct economic management authority, it can implement policies to develop areas to increase economic activities and boost local tourism. This includes improving public transport access, promoting areas with potential that remain little-known or hard to reach, and supporting private and community collaboration in planning area development. Bangkok can also help create new landmarks or landscapes.
The People's Party Bangkok governor candidate continued that they propose grassroots economic stimulation policies such as a Bangkok SME receipt lottery. Citizens buying from small vendors can earn one point per 20 baht spent and redeem points for prizes. Bangkok will allocate about 10 million baht monthly for rewards, benefiting both buyers and sellers. They also plan to develop community commercial districts by enabling private sector and residents to leverage each area's unique charm, with Bangkok providing budget support and fostering economic activities to revive these neighborhoods.
In the afternoon, Mr. Chaiwat and People's Party councilor candidates will join the party's diversity team to participate in the Bangkok Pride Festival 2026 parade, advocating for enhanced gender equality.
