The Bangkok Metropolitan Council approved the first reading to amend meeting regulations, allowing live broadcasts, and established a special committee to complete the review within five days. The majority of council members debated in support, saying it would help the public better access the council's work.
On 22 July 2026, Ms. Phatraporn Kengrungruengchai, Chairperson of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, presided over the first session of the third ordinary meeting. During the session, Mr. Chatchai Moddee, a council member representing Bang Na district, submitted a motion. The draft of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council Meeting Regulations (No. ..) B.E. .... He proposed to consider all three readings at once.
Mr. Chatchai stated that this amendment aims to enhance transparency in the council members' duties and open opportunities for the public to better scrutinize their work through live broadcasts of meetings, disclosure of members’ voting results, and updating regulations to align with principles of good governance. This is based on the authority granted under Section 29 of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, B.E. 2528.
Then, Mr. Napapol Jirakul, council member for Bangkok Noi district, expressed general agreement with disclosing council work but raised concerns about live broadcasts. He noted that council members do not have the legal immunities granted to Members of Parliament, questioning who would be responsible if legal issues arise from live broadcasts. The council chairperson responded that controlling public opinion on social media is impossible and emphasized that representatives must be prepared to receive both praise and criticism from the public.
Later, Mr. Wiphut Sriwaurai, council member for Bang Rak district, supported the draft’s principle, saying it would improve public access to council information. He proposed adding provisions to publish certified meeting reports electronically, similar to the House of Representatives’ regulations, and to disclose committee meeting reports so the public can follow each committee’s deliberations and problem-solving efforts.
Ms. Mathuros Bent, council member for Saphan Sung district, supported amending the regulations on two points: disclosure of draft ordinances and increased opportunities for public input. She suggested adding provisions allowing the council or committees to organize public hearings on draft ordinances, and defining the chairperson’s duty to arrange live broadcasts with sign language interpreters to enhance accessibility for the hearing impaired.
Mr. Adisorn Ruklaksee, council member for Don Mueang district, said live broadcasts would encourage members to prepare carefully and provide an opportunity for the public to understand their elected representatives’ views and duties. Meanwhile, Mr. Somchai Tempaiboonkul, council member for Khlong San district, acknowledged the principle but argued transparency depends not only on live broadcasts but also on members’ accountable conduct.
Mr. Kantapong Dechaya, council member for Taling Chan district, noted that parliamentary immunities do not protect MPs from statements about third parties on live broadcasts. He viewed live broadcasts as a way for the public to observe members’ capabilities, working methods, and debates. Mr. Wirat Khongkhahet, council member for Bangkok Yai district, pointed out that council members’ work differs from MPs, as they must serve in their districts, attend council and committee meetings without assistants or academic support, which might attract criticism if they occasionally miss meetings.
Mr. Akkarachai Kanthamara, council member for Dusit district, believed live broadcasts would help the public better understand council members’ roles and reflect their work through council mechanisms beyond local duties. Then, Warrant Officer Sai Ram Prakaikij, council member for Sathorn district, said live broadcasts offer an important opportunity to educate people in Bangkok and nationwide about council members’ roles, duties, and responsibilities.
However, after the debate, Mr. Chatchai, as the motion proposer, requested to withdraw the proposal to consider the draft regulations in all three readings at once. Instead, he proposed establishing a special committee to study details and additional suggestions, asking the council to approve the principle of the draft regulations in the first reading. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council voted 37 to 2 to approve the principle of the draft meeting regulations in the first reading. They appointed a 12-member special committee to review the draft Bangkok Metropolitan Council Meeting Regulations (No. ..) B.E. .... The amendment period was set for two days, with a deadline to complete the review within five days.