The Bangkok Election Commission held a harmonious election event for candidates running for the 2026 Bangkok Governor and City Council. They emphasized that candidates must submit income and expense reports to the commission within 90 days after the election. It was revealed that there have been no complaints overall during the campaign period yet.
On 4 June 2026 at 09:00 a.m. Ms. Patcharin Rattanawipa, Inspector of the Office of the Election Commission, presided over the opening ceremony of the harmonious election project for candidates running for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and Governor. The event took place at the Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, to enhance accurate understanding of laws, regulations, criteria, and practices related to the election of Bangkok Metropolitan Council members and the Governor. It aimed to promote a creative political competition atmosphere based on principles of honesty, transparency, neutrality, and fairness.
This included guidance on preparing income and expense accounts, which candidates must submit to the Election Commission Office within 90 days after the election. Representatives of candidates for Governor and council seats attended, including Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt (candidate number 9), Mr. Pongsak Puapornpong (number 3), Mr. Weerapot Lueprasitsakul (number 8), Mr. Olan Tangtratrakul (number 15), Ms. Lollana Mongkolhasdin (number 17), and Mr. Somchai Charoenworakiat (number 18), among others.
. Lieutenant Samphan Saengkhamlert, Director of the Bangkok Election Office, stated that after the registration period closed, they are currently verifying candidates' qualifications and disqualifications to officially announce the candidate list. This process must be completed within seven days from the registration date. Some candidates have begun campaigning, but campaign signage remains limited as preparations are ongoing. Everyone is currently complying with regulations, and no complaints regarding election fraud or rule violations have been received.
Today’s focus was on educating candidates about what is permissible and what is not, especially under Section 65, which prohibits offering or promising any property or benefits, directly or indirectly, including organizing entertainment, hosting parties, deceiving, coercing, defaming, or misleading voters about candidates’ popularity.
Regarding monitoring candidates’ campaigns, the Bangkok Election Director said election inspectors will visit areas and observe the conduct of officials to ensure compliance with regulations. They will also monitor candidates’ campaigning activities. Currently, 50 rapid response teams have been established across 50 constituencies to quickly respond to complaints or tips, similar to previous general elections.
When asked about allegations of Bangkok officials lacking neutrality, Lieutenant Samphan said no reports detailing such behavior have been received. Any complaint must specify the conduct involved. If a complaint arises, an investigation will be conducted. By law, state officials are prohibited from using their positions to benefit or harm any candidate.
Asked whether the Bangkok Election Commission would closely monitor claims by the Economic Party regarding alleged district director position trading, Lieutenant Samphan said they are unaware if this relates to the election process. Election-related offenses must be connected to elections. The law forbids candidates or others from defaming or coercing voters to misjudge candidates’ popularity. It remains unclear if these claims affect the election or constitute defamatory campaigning. They must assess if it qualifies as defamation during campaigning.
When pressed whether exposing position trading advantages or disadvantages candidates, Lieutenant Samphan said the commission has yet to verify all facts. Today’s harmonious election project invited candidates to clarify rules on permissible and prohibited actions and their post-election reporting duties within 90 days. The commission can only act on election-related complaints after verifying evidence. The aim is to ensure equal treatment under the regulations.
Regarding hosting debate forums for independent candidates, the Bangkok Election Commission has no policy to organize campaign forums; it is the candidates’ responsibility. However, any campaign event must be notified to the commission before proceeding.
Concerning media inviting candidates likely to win over independents, Lieutenant Samphan said election law does not prohibit private entities. If costs exceed 5,000 baht per media station, candidates must report these expenses. Officials must remain politically neutral and not use their positions to benefit or harm candidates.
“Media inviting candidates should exercise caution to avoid disputes and take responsibility. Should complaints arise, the commission will investigate whether the conduct constitutes an offense, assessing each case individually, including whether invitations were equitable across stations. The commission does not prohibit such invitations as they are not organized by state agencies.”
Regarding influencers supporting candidates, Lieutenant Samphan said election campaigning regulations clearly state that if non-candidates incur expenses exceeding 5,000 baht to assist campaigning, they must notify the commission. If influencers claim no expenses, that is accepted as fact. For campaign signage, if candidates place signs or announcements not complying with commission regulations, they will be asked to correct them. Failure to comply may result in sign removal and candidate liability for costs. So far, no complaints about campaign signage have been filed.
When asked if a candidate inviting people to take photos with campaign messages and hashtags constitutes campaigning assistance, Lieutenant Samphan said electronic tagging or campaigning counts as electronic campaign activity. Candidates must report their account names. Whether hashtagging qualifies depends on whether it involves candidate-originated information. Sometimes sharing occurs without the candidate’s knowledge, which would not be considered electronic campaigning requiring account notification.
Therefore, if candidates promote hashtag campaigns, the commission will consider the facts to determine if it qualifies as electronic campaigning subject to reporting requirements.