The countdown to the much-watched local election battlefield for all Thai citizens is underway. The upcoming Bangkok election, covering both the governor and the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) seats, will take place on 28 June 2024. Political activity in the capital is beginning to show signs of liveliness, though still modest, as we enter the final month of the current term and about two months before election day. The Thairath Online news team summarizes the latest developments for readers.
Starting with the orange camp, the "People's Party" has clearly announced plans to officially unveil their candidate for Bangkok governor in early May. They are also preparing a strong lineup, fielding council candidates in every district without holding back.
It is undeniable that the People's Party was the champion in the last Bangkok MP election, creating a landslide victory in the capital by winning all 33 constituencies. However, the challenge remains on whom they will field to compete seriously against the current governor, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, whose personal popularity is still difficult to overcome.
Moving to the blue camp, the "Bhumjaithai Party" has made it clear that they have no plans to field a candidate for Bangkok governor in this election. Regarding council candidates, the party is still in the process of discussions and internal assessments.
Though seemingly quiet in the Bangkok arena, Bhumjaithai currently holds the status of a "government coalition leader". Their decision to engage or not in the capital inevitably impacts their political image and stability. The leadership may believe that not contesting might better preserve confidence in the broader political landscape than risking damage by participating.
Regarding the red camp, the "Pheu Thai Party" has resolved not to field a candidate for Bangkok governor in this round. As for council seats, there is no clear decision yet on whether or how many districts they will contest.
Looking back to the 2022 Bangkok election, Pheu Thai secured the highest number of council seats. Their choice to forgo a governor candidate this time raises questions about whether their council voter base will fragment or remain loyal. Previously, they had stepped aside to allow Mr. Chadchart to run as an independent governor candidate, focusing instead on supporting council candidates. This time, however, they might fully step back.
Turning to the light blue camp, the "Democrat Party" has yet to signal or announce any firm plans. However, rumors abound that they might surprise by putting a "party leader" into the gubernatorial race to restore the capital voters' confidence.
The Democrat Party once "owned" the Bangkok political landscape, winning the hearts of its citizens for a long time. Moreover, the return of Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva as party leader has boosted morale among their urban supporters and could be a key turning point in this election. Yet, recent general elections may have dampened spirits, as the party failed to mobilize young voters to reclaim seats from the orange camp.
Beyond the four major parties, looking at other political parties’ movements, it appears very likely they will not field candidates under their party banners, possibly opting to support independents or yield to allies. These include parties like Kla Party, Sai Ruam Phalang Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Prachachart Party, Economic Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Thai Pakdee Party, and Seri Ruam Thai Party.
As the final stretch approaches before 28 June 2024, the capital’s political battlefield is set to heat up. Whether there will be last-minute surprises or dramatic shifts remains to be seen. Political enthusiasts must watch closely without blinking!
