The three People's Party (Popchon) leaders issued a statement accepting defeat, congratulating Chadchart on his re-election as Bangkok governor, acknowledging all criticism about bringing Suraphol on board, denying any strategic missteps, while Theng advised focusing on political success rather than election numbers in each area.
On 28 June 2026 at 19:35 GMT+7, at the Future Forward Building, the People's Party headquarters, Mr. Natthapong Rueangpanyawut, party list MP and party leader, together with Mr. Chaiwat Sathawornwijit, People's Party candidate for Bangkok governor, and Mr. Pichan Chaowaphatthanawong, party secretary, jointly announced the unofficial results of the Bangkok and Pattaya elections.
Mr. Natthapong said that following the election results for both Bangkok and Pattaya, although unofficial, the latest trends clearly show that Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt will almost certainly be the next Bangkok governor, nearly 100%. He thanked voters in both areas and congratulated Mr. Chadchart. As for Pattaya, he noted that their candidate for mayor might not have won this time, and they continue to monitor the Pattaya council election results.
Mr. Chaiwat expressed gratitude to all Bangkok residents who voted, thanking those who supported him and People's Party council candidates. He congratulated Mr. Chadchart on his second term as governor. He believes People's Party council members will work in the Bangkok council and hopes their policies aimed at improving Bangkok residents' quality of life will continue to be advanced to some extent.
Mr. Chaiwat added that they remain committed to developing Bangkok as they have proposed policies aimed at enhancing quality of life. Their larger goal is to create progressive change for Thailand. Regardless of roles or positions, they are willing to work diligently to demonstrate their dedication to the public.
"I thank our supporters, team members, and volunteers who helped us push forward and work through this election. Without you, we could not have achieved this goal. Thank you to everyone who worked for the party and for us," said Mr. Chaiwat.
Mr. Pichan addressed the council election results, saying that their internal count covers about 30% so far. They believe the number of People's Party councilors likely to win is close to or higher than the number won in 2022. He noted the councilors' role, regardless of who is governor, is to promote beneficial laws and build good systems for Bangkok. Moreover, they oversee budget considerations to maximize every baht spent.
Mr. Pichan added that oversight also means listening to the public. Monitoring administration is not just about corruption but about whether policies and projects meet citizens' needs and solve problems. Councilors, close to people across 50 districts, act as instruments to bring citizens' concerns to the council, ensuring administration is informed and projects are implemented through budget spending.
"We are prepared for every scenario since election outcomes can vary. As previously stated, since becoming the People's Party from Future Forward, we have gained popularity in Bangkok but winning landslides does not mean we own every vote. Entering elections requires effort to communicate policies and vision on how we want to build Bangkok. Ultimately, it depends on whether voters give us enough support. Every election result is possible," said the party secretary.
When asked if they had preliminarily assessed the cause of defeat in Bangkok due to appointing Mr. Suraphol Nitikraipoj as strategic advisor, Mr. Pichan stated they accept and listen to all campaign feedback. Regarding Suraphol, they affirm that political progress requires embracing diverse views and those previously opposed joining the movement. Although this election did not meet expectations, and some criticism links Suraphol's appointment to the results, the party believes their task is to engage voters intellectually and continue this work despite setbacks.
Asked whether the party would reconsider this inclusive approach or adjust it, Mr. Pichan said political work must accept individuals with differing views. The issue lies in refining communication and the mechanisms inside and outside the party to engage voters better.
"As mentioned, every election can yield any result. Even with past landslides, it doesn't mean we own every vote. The party's duty is to build trust and work harder. We still have Lamphun province with a provincial chief executive from our party and over 300 local council members nationwide. Local work continues to show commitment, reflecting the bigger picture," said Mr. Pichan.
Regarding reasons for losing Bangkok and Pattaya elections, Mr. Pichan said he was not speaking as a political analyst but as party secretary. They must work harder to show how opening opportunities for them to manage Bangkok can bring change. They recognize voters think differently between big and local elections. This is not an excuse but a call to communicate policies and agendas more intensively.
When asked if he should reconsider after losing multiple elections, Mr. Natthapong urged focusing on their political successes beyond election numbers. Although they lack administrative power in Bangkok now, over the years they have promoted progressive agendas for Thai society. Without the orange movement and Future Forward Party, progressive laws and budget oversight like the social security fund would not have advanced.
"Popchon views our political achievements as advancing progressive agendas for society. In Bangkok, we believe we can continue promoting progressive work for the city and also at the national political level," said Mr. Natthapong.
Regarding the roles of Mr. Chaiwat and Mr. Suraphol in the party going forward, Mr. Natthapong declined to comment on individuals but reiterated that their political work aims to create change. Thai politics has historically been polarized, but Popchon believes change requires embracing those previously opposed to build a movement capable of real transformation. Without this, political change is unlikely.
Mr. Chaiwat said he remains determined to continue working. Since joining the Future Forward Party, he has never clung to positions or demanded roles but focused on goals. Currently deputy party leader for foreign affairs, he plans to continue supporting party work, including parliamentary committees and promoting Bangkok policies from the election that yield tangible results. He is willing to collaborate with People's Party councilors elected to the Bangkok council, prioritizing goals and work.
When asked if he would run again for Bangkok governor, Mr. Chaiwat said the party will decide who is suitable at the time. He is willing to push policies to improve Bangkok residents' quality of life. The answer will depend on timing and party decisions then.
Asked again if bringing Suraphol into the party was a matter of communication finesse rather than a misstep, Mr. Pichan said, as he and the leader stated, political progress requires embracing dissenting voices. This principle was set since the Future Forward Party began. Using the term "finesse" refers to processes and understanding among supporters and members. They must work harder to build consensus and detail within all party components.
