As expected, “Councilor Nurse” Pataraporn has ascended to become the first female president of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council. She stressed advancing a transparent council agenda, asked not to be viewed merely as a woman, and urged the media to give attention to the council as this year’s budget increases by several billion baht.
On 13 July 2026 at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hall 2, Ms. Pataraporn Kengrungrueangchai, president of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, spoke about the council’s agenda, saying she will drive a transparent and efficient council based on four key points outlined in the recently signed MOU, which will begin this December. However, for the upcoming budget review session at the end of July, she will push fellow council members to broadcast the budget meeting live beforehand. Regarding cooperation with the two deputy council presidents from different groups, she said they have clearly divided responsibilities and expects no issues in working together. The division of the 13 standing committees and council spokespersons has not yet been discussed but is expected to be finalized by Saturday.
When asked how she plans to manage as the first female council president given longstanding issues, Ms. Pataraporn said that gender does not affect capability. She believes she can perform this role effectively but will need cooperation from council members to advance various agendas. She hopes to make the council more transparent and acknowledged that any council president faces pressure.
Asked about elevating the Bangkok council into a modern institution by blending the many new councilors with veterans, Ms. Pataraporn said their agenda encourages public participation and aims to make the council accommodating to younger generations by combining their energy with the experience and savvy of older members. She said that she and the two deputy presidents will coordinate efficiently with other council members.
Regarding working with Democrat Party councilors, Ms. Pataraporn noted this remains a topic to manage, as many council issues require neutrality, such as public problems and environmental concerns, which may need case-by-case negotiations. On whether she can maintain council member support for her full two-year term as president, she said it depends on managing relationships and work, but stressed that collaboration is essential for the council’s work and she is not worried about this.
Concerning the council’s past lack of recognition among Bangkok residents compared to the larger city council, Ms. Pataraporn acknowledged it is the responsibility of the council and all members to help raise public awareness of their work so that their efforts carry weight. She asked the media to pay more attention to the Bangkok council, especially since the budget has increased by several billion baht this year. Under the leadership of the three of them, the council will enhance public relations efforts.
