The KPI Poll reveals survey results on the direction of the new Bangkok governor election, finding that 61.8% of Bangkok residents tend to choose independent candidates, while middle districts support "independent candidates" and outer districts lean toward the "opposition." The poll reflects distinct voter preferences by area.
On 5 Jun 2026 GMT+7, the King Prajadhipok's Institute released survey results titled "Bangkok Election 26: Spatial Factors and Direction for the New Governor Selection," emphasizing neutrality, accuracy, and usefulness with academic standards. The survey aims not to influence politics but to "listen" to political views from the people's voices.
The 23rd KPI Poll was conducted from 22 to 25 May 2026 GMT+7 among 1,600 residents aged 18 and over, distributed across Bangkok districts. Key findings from the survey are summarized as follows.
1. If you are a Bangkok resident, which type of governor candidate are you likely to choose? (Survey by x Line Today)
- 61.8% said they would choose an independent candidate unaffiliated with any political party - 12.5% are still uncertain or undecided,
- 12.0% would choose a candidate affiliated with any political party,
- 11.7% would choose a candidate from an opposition party, and 2.0% would choose a candidate from the ruling party.
➡ There is a trend emphasizing the "independence of candidates" over party affiliation, reflecting expectations that the Bangkok governor, as city administrator, should be agile, neutral, and focus on solving city problems efficiently rather than through party politics. Meanwhile, the undecided group remains a crucial variable that could shift the election dynamics moving forward.
2. Different district levels, different directions: middle districts support "independent candidates," outer districts lean toward the "opposition," while inner districts remain open. The top three trends in choosing Bangkok governor candidates are as follows.
- Inner districts: 26.8% remain unsure or undecided—the highest proportion.
- 23.3% tend to choose a candidate affiliated with any political party.
- 22.0% tend to choose a candidate from an opposition party.
Middle districts tend to choose independent candidates.
• Middle districts: 29.3% tend to choose independent candidates unaffiliated with political parties—the highest proportion. Next, 25.9% tend to choose opposition party candidates, and 20.8% remain unsure or undecided.
• Outer districts: 27.2% tend to choose opposition party candidates—the highest proportion; closely followed by 26.8% undecided and 16.6% who tend to choose candidates affiliated with any political party.
➡ Bangkok's political geography varies by district level, reflecting different expectations and decision bases. Communication strategies and policies aligned with each area's context are thus essential challenges for candidates.
3. Chatchat still leads in all zones, but high indecision leaves the election outcome open to change.
Top three trends in choosing Bangkok governor candidates.
- Considering Bangkok's district levels, Chatchat Sitthiphan leads in all zones with similar scores (middle districts: 32.1%, inner districts: 31.5%, and outer districts: 30.3%).
- The runner-up in all zones is "undecided/unsure" (inner districts: 27.3%, outer districts: 27.2%, and middle districts: 18.7%). The third place in outer districts (16.9%) and middle districts (16.3%) is Dr. Jo Chaiwat Sathawornvijit, and in inner districts (9.8%) is Police Lieutenant General Chantep Sasawet.
This shows that although Chatchat leads in every Bangkok district level, the "undecided/unsure" group remains sizeable across areas and is a key factor that could change the competition's direction. Additionally, some candidates have strong support bases in specific areas worth monitoring. The election is still a contest to win over "undecided voters" and "strategic areas" rather than relying solely on existing popularity.
Divided support base of city councilors.
4. Divided city councilor support base: Chatchat leads many groups, but the "orange" base shifts to Dr. Jo.
- Comparing the tendency to choose a Bangkok governor with parties or groups previously chosen for city councilors in 2022, Chatchat scores highly in several groups, especially those who supported Pheu Thai Party (41.6%), Democrat Party (31.9%), and other parties/groups (48.8%).
• Meanwhile, those who previously supported Move Forward Party tend to choose Dr. Jo Chaiwat the most (38.3%), more than Chatchat at 22.6%. However, some groups remain highly undecided or unsure.
Chatchat's lead across many groups indicates cross-political acceptance, reflecting that Bangkok governor selection is more about the individual than party affiliation. Voters who previously supported the same party or group do not necessarily choose the same governor candidate. The undecided proportion in some bases remains high, making it an important variable.
Summary from the 23rd KPI Poll.
This poll reflects that the Bangkok governor election remains open. Although Chatchat leads, the "undecided" group still holds a large enough share to potentially alter the election equation. At the same time, "candidate independence" matters more than party affiliation, reflecting expectations that the governor should be an agile city manager who effectively solves problems. Furthermore, differences by district level and previous city councilor bases indicate candidates must compete for both "undecided votes" and tailor policies to specific areas rather than use a single strategy citywide. "Undecided voters" and design policies that address local issues more than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. "Undecided votes" and craft policies tailored to each area rather than applying a uniform strategy across the entire city.