Bangkok Governor Election 2026: Thaksin Shinawatra expressed excitement and joy voting for the first time in 20 years, emphasizing his role as a citizen. He acknowledged ongoing concerns for the country and its people, sympathized with the government as it faces difficult challenges, and called for everyone to unite.
On 28 June 2026, the atmosphere at polling station 14 in Bang Phlat subdistrict, Bang Phlat district, near the 7-Eleven tent at Charansanitwong 69 branch, was lively and attracted significant media attention. At 10:03 a.m., former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived in a black Volkswagen van with license plate As 1414 Bangkok. He wore a white shirt and gray jeans. Upon exiting the vehicle, he was immediately greeted with hugs from the public. He then proceeded to the board outside the booth to check his name on the list before entering the booth to cast his vote for Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council members.
At 10:05 a.m., Thaksin cast his ballot for the Bangkok governor (green ballot) and then for the council members (pink ballot), after which he gave a statement to the media: "I haven't used my voting right in 20 years, so I feel excited and happy. At the very least, I feel proud to be Thai." When asked what kind of Bangkok governor he wanted, Thaksin said Bangkok is a city with many residents. The most important issues are sufficient infrastructure, cleanliness, and traffic. Everyone must work together to make Bangkok a great city, although its budget is somewhat limited.
He also said the Bangkok governor must be capable and dedicated; if not, they will just drift along, which is unacceptable. He added that today he felt nervous, worried he might make a mistake, unsure whether to face inward or outward, fearing he might violate the constitution. When reporters pressed about his voting experience, Thaksin replied: "It's my first time, so I’m still a bit confused, but very happy. It's been exactly 20 years." When asked about the last time he voted before this, Thaksin said: "I voted when I was prime minister, before the coup. That was the last time I voted. After that election, there was the unlawful, unconstitutional ‘turning back’ incident."
Thaksin also urged people to exercise their voting rights, saying every election is a civic duty. If citizens do not express their collective choice to elect representatives, and those representatives perform poorly, then the blame lies with the voters. If dissatisfied, voters can choose differently in the next term.
Asked about the country’s situation, Thaksin said he wants everyone to unite. The nation needs unity because problems are difficult—both internal and external factors. Therefore, everyone must come together with love and mutual encouragement. When asked about rumors of his political retirement, Thaksin replied: "I am not active politically. I am here as a citizen, not a politician. I perform my civic duties."
When asked about his plans after voting, Thaksin said he would be with his family and children. Next week, he plans to travel again, mainly to visit friends. Since leaving prison, many international friends have called to congratulate him, and he wants to visit them to express his gratitude. Regarding his health, Thaksin said he feels well for a 77-year-old.
At the end, when asked if he still follows politics after stepping back, Thaksin smiled and said: "It depends on where I put my hands." He continued that he follows national news and, regarding economic and livelihood issues, stated: "I am concerned about the people because household debt is high, and national debt is also high. Thus, I sympathize with the government because it is a difficult task. I offer my support and encouragement to everyone."
Regarding whether he had sent birthday wishes to his sister, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whom he visited in Hong Kong after a long time, Thaksin did not respond. He then proceeded to his vehicle to return home, receiving encouragement, handshakes, and hugs from the public. When asked if he was tired, he smiled and thanked them before getting into his car to return to his residence at Chansongla.