Bangkok residents rate their new governor

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt entered office with a clear mandate, but he has a long road ahead of him to turn his policies into reality. Bangkok residents share their thoughts on his performance so far and promises for a better future. 

On May 31, Chadchart Sittipunt officially became Bangkok’s newest governor.  

The 56-year-old former transport minister won by a landslide, receiving more than 52 percent of the votes cast — a record high.  

Bangok's new governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, has been in the job for the last few months. So how do Bangkok residents rate him? Image: Prachatai via Flickr (https://flickr.com/photos/prachatai/52108650542/in/photolist-jRrrrZ-bSAN2t-bDG4Fh-bDG5pL-2noEsnm)

His victory in many ways represents frustration at a perceived lack of progress since the 2014 coup. But Chadchart has also become a symbol of hope — a man of the people with a progressive agenda that could reshape the city for generations to come, with policies aimed at making public transport green and affordable, enhancing arts and learning in the capital, and improving the lives of street vendors. 

As Chadchart enters his third month in office, we asked four Bangkok to residents reflect on his tenure so far and share their hopes for the future.   

Nattaya, 67, noodle stall owner  

What’s your impression of the governor so far?   

He’s doing so well. He’s such a good guy. All the people in my family voted for him and are rooting for him. He’s the most na rak [cute/pleasant] among all the Bangkok governors I’ve seen in my entire life!   

Noodle stall owner Nattaya. Image: Supplied

What issues would you like to see him tackle?   

The trash on the street. The city is very dirty. For example, there was a trash bin [on the sidewalk by my shop] before Aswin [Kwanmuang], the former governor, took over Bangkok. Now there is no trash bin here at all. People just throw their bottles where they want, and they go everywhere.  

Overall, are you feeling more or less confident about the future of Bangkok?  

I feel more confident … He has really helped Bangkok come back to life. Right now, for example, we’re having the outdoor cinema fair [that he spearheaded], which has made people go out.   

Priya Narula, 25, customer success manager  

What’s your impression of the governor so far?   

I have a very neutral impression. I want to give him more time to see if he delivers results as promised.  

What issues would you like to see him tackle? Which would you like to see him address first?  

Air quality, traffic management and flood management. To begin with, I would like to see him addressing flood management. Recently, it rained heavily, leaving many stranded on Sukhumvit Road [the city’s main artery] when the roads flooded. I was one of them. With the ongoing rainy season, it would be great if this issue could be tackled as a priority.  

Customer success manager Priya Narula is waiting to see if the new governor comes through on his promises. Image: Supplied

What do you hope he is able to achieve with his time in office?  

To be able to mitigate air pollution and lower the average PM2.5 — which at points in 2021 exceeded the WHO standard limits — making the air more breathable air for every citizen.  

And regarding waste management [like garbage bins], we do not have proper garbage collection points. [I would like to see him] help make the city cleaner and citizens more aware of its importance.  

Wanndee, 53, Thai sweets vendor  

What issues would you like to see the governor tackle?   

I can’t really sell my sweets. It’s quiet [in the city] and tough. Every day, I can only be at my spot on the sidewalk for a few hours. I have to run from police officers because they don’t allow me to sell here.  

Wanndee is a sweet vendor on Bangkok's streets and is hoping Chadchart can bring more vibrancy (and foot traffic) to the city. Image: Supplied

What do you hope he is able to achieve with his time in office?  

I want him to help with the economic situation. I want more people on the streets. I also want him to stop allowing officers to chase us away from the sidewalk [because this is how I make my living].   

Overall, are you feeling more or less confident about the future of Bangkok?  

I feel the same, because every [politician] is the same.   

Kavichart Tannawee, 31, banker  

What’s your impression of Chadchart so far?   

In only a few months, in my opinion, he has made a big impact as a role model – not only for government officers, but also for people like me. We are witnessing the first Bangkok mayor who puts his job first and works countless hours. I don’t believe you can just create a workaholic image; people will see through it. I strongly believe this is who he is, and he’s sharing his work with us like a vlogger.   

What issues would you like to see him tackle?   

Transparency. Taxpayers have been begging for decades to be able to track, audit and monitor how our money is spent, what the objective of public projects are, where the projects will be located, when the projects will be finished and so on.   

Banker Kavichart Tannawee. Image: Supplied

Overall, are you feeling more or less confident about the future of Bangkok?   

I am feeling happy so far. I was sick and tired of campaigns that were based on hatred, extreme liberalization or royalist fandom. I am thankful that so many voters felt the same, so now [maybe] we can re-unite and cooperate with individuals who possess different political views.  

Not only is the future of Bangkok brighter – Chadchart’s win also sends a strong message about [what might happen] in the upcoming national election. 

- Asia Media Centre