Bangkok: In the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial and Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) elections on June 28, 2026, Associate Professor Sukhum Nuansakul, a political science scholar, offered an insightful perspective on the political phenomenon in the capital. He argued that this election is a demonstration of the power of Bangkok residents, who represent the center of the country. While the voter turnout in the 2022 election was still considered low at 60.73%, Associate Professor Sukhum believes that for a capital city with a large budget and central authority, voter turnout should be higher, at least 70%. This would ensure that elected officials feel a sense of responsibility and pride towards their vast voter base and realize that Bangkok residents are closely watching their performance.
According to Thai News Agency, from a political scientist's perspective, Associate Professor Sukhum warned Bangkok residents that voting according to the law is a "duty." Failure to exercise this right could result in restrictions on several political rights, such as the right to file complaints, participate in referendums, or even be disqualified from running for election and holding ministerial positions in the future. This is crucial for those with political aspirations.
What has changed in this election is that the public is beginning to understand the role of Bangkok Metropolitan Council members (BMA Councilors) better. Associate Professor Sukhum analyzed that if the BMA Council has a diverse representation, not concentrated in any one group, it will help to provide better checks and balances on the governor's power than having an overwhelming majority, which often reduces the effectiveness of oversight within the council.
Regarding the candidates, Associate Professor Sukhum noted the following:
- Chatchart Sittipunt: Still enjoys strong popularity due to his image as a frontline figure in every crisis over the past four years, as well as his extensive preparation, which has won the hearts of the people.
- Independent candidate trend: In this election, Bangkok residents seem to favor independent candidates more than those aligned with political parties.
- Issues of attack: Regarding corruption issues or allegations that are only recently brought up in the final stages, Professor Sukhum believes they tend to have less impact than issues that have been accumulating for a long time, because people will see them as mere political tactics during the election campaign.
Regarding the claim that money can't buy people in Bangkok, Associate Professor Sukhum believes that money is not the deciding factor in Bangkok and that vote buying has no effect on its citizens. He therefore encourages everyone in the community and all citizens to fulfill their duty to demonstrate political awareness and establish a positive standard for democracy at the local level.