13 Candidates Register for Bangkok Local Election; Chadchart Leading in Polls as He Seeks Re-election

(Bangkok, 29th) — Thailand's capital Bangkok will hold local elections next month, and on Thursday, the Election Commission opened registration for mayoral and city council candidates. On the first day of registration, 13 candidates entered the much-watched mayoral race, including incumbent Chadchart seeking re-election.

According to the Bangkok Post, candidate registration began at 8:30 am on Thursday (May 28). Even before 6 am that morning, Chadchart Sittipunt arrived at the scene on a bicycle. He had resigned earlier this month and is running again for mayor as an independent.

According to Thai Public Broadcasting Service (Thai TBS), Chadchart stated that he is seeking re-election to advance the city's ongoing government projects, especially those that promote economic development through skills training, providing educational opportunities, and opening more marketplaces.

He also said that if re-elected, he would recruit people from various professional backgrounds to join his team, and would work with all council members, regardless of party affiliation, to serve the public.

He added that Bangkok needs to increase investment and stimulate the economy in order to raise citizens' income and quality of life, thereby enhancing its competitiveness with the world's major cities.

Chadchart currently leads in multiple polls. His main opponents include Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, deputy leader of the House's largest opposition party, the People's Party, and Democrat Party representative Anucha Burapachaisri, who previously served as government spokesperson during former Prime Minister Prayut's administration.

Bangkok's local election will be held on June 28, with over 4.5 million voters casting ballots for the mayor and 50 city councilors who will govern the city for the next four years. Candidate registration closes on June 1.