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 admitted ongoing concerns for the country and its people, sympathized with the government as it faces a difficult task, and called for everyone to unite together to overcome challenges in the nation.
On 28 June 2026, the atmosphere at polling station 14, 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, license plate As 1414 Bangkok. He wore a white shirt and gray jeans. Upon exiting the vehicle, he was immediately embraced by some citizens. He then proceeded to the board in front of the booth to check his name on the voter list before entering to cast his vote for Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Council members.
At 10:05 a.m., Thaksin cast his green ballot for the Bangkok governor, followed by his pink ballot for council members, then gave an interview to the media saying, “I haven’t voted in 20 years, so I’m excited and happy. At the very least, I’m proud to be Thai.” When asked what kind of Bangkok governor he wanted, Thaksin said Bangkok is a city with many residents. The important issues are adequate infrastructure, cleanliness, and traffic. Everyone must work together to make Bangkok a great city, although the budget is somewhat limited.
At the same time, Thaksin said the Bangkok governor must be competent and dedicated. If they are not capable or committed, they will just drift aimlessly, which is unacceptable. He then added he felt nervous today, unsure whether to face forward or backward, fearing he might violate the constitution. When reporters asked again about his voting experience, Thaksin replied, “It’s my first time, so I’m still a bit confused, but very happy. Exactly 20 years.” When asked about the last election he participated in, Thaksin said, “I voted when I was prime minister before the coup. That was the last time I voted. After the election, there were illegal and unconstitutional acts, nonsense back then.”
Thaksin also emphasized the importance of voting, saying he believes every election is a civic duty. If people do not collectively express their choice to elect representatives, then if those representatives perform poorly, no one else can be blamed except ourselves. If the elected officials are unsatisfactory, then elect new ones at the next term.
Regarding the country’s situation, Thaksin said he hopes everyone will unite. The nation needs unity because the problems are difficult, including internal issues and external factors. Therefore, everyone must unite, show love, and support one another. When asked about rumors of his political withdrawal, Thaksin responded, “I’m not politically active. I’m here fulfilling my civic duty, not acting as a politician, but as a citizen.”
When asked about his plans after voting, Thaksin said he would be with his family and children. Next week, he plans to travel mostly to visit friends because when he was released from prison, many foreign friends called to congratulate him. He wants to visit them to thank them for their kindness. Regarding his health, Thaksin said he is managing 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 the hands are laid down.” He continued that he must keep up with national news. On economic and livelihood matters, he said, “I worry about the people because household debt is high and the country’s debt is also high. Therefore, I sympathize with the government because it’s a difficult task. I encourage and support everyone.”
Regarding whether he wished his sister Yingluck Shinawatra, former prime minister, a happy birthday during his recent trip to Hong Kong, Thaksin did not respond. Afterwards, he went to his car to return home, where citizens came to offer encouragement, shake hands, and embrace him. When asked if he was tired, Thaksin smiled and thanked them before getting into his car to return to his residence at Chansongla.