Bangkok: In just two days, a crucial day will arrive for Bangkok residents-a day that will determine the future of the city and who will solve its problems. Associate Professor Dr. Thanyaporn Suntorntham, Director of the Institute of Area Studies at Thammasat University, has offered a very interesting perspective on the upcoming Bangkok gubernatorial and Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) elections on June 28, 2026. She highlights key issues that Bangkok residents should consider before entering the polls.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Thanyaporn compared this election to a performance review, assessing whether the public is satisfied with the city's direction over the past four years. However, even more important is the decision on who to elect to manage an annual budget of nearly 100 billion baht, or over 400 billion baht over the next four-year term. This money comes from land taxes, billboard taxes, and value-added tax collected from all citizens. This sum of money will determine the safety and quality of life for people in Bangkok.
Although the gubernatorial election campaign seems lively, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanyaporn emphasizes that Bangkok City Council members play an equally important role as the governor. While the governor is the executive branch that promotes policies, City Council members are responsible for scrutinizing the budget, spending, and enacting Bangkok ordinances. If the governor is compared to a "captain" flying an airplane, the City Council members are the "controllers" who ensure the pilot doesn't veer off course.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanyaporn has clearly categorized the styles or "DNA" of each group of candidates to allow the public to choose according to their preferences. The judicial branch will continue its existing work, focusing on continuity, developing existing systems, and promoting a model of collaboration with the private sector. The Restructuring and Technology Line focuses on the use of Big Data and AI under the "Simple Bangkok" style to care for all groups of people. Transparency and accountability focus on 100% open disclosure of procurement data to combat corruption and providing real-time disaster reporting. The Grassroots Economy Line focuses on the Street Food Paradise policy to stimulate the microeconomy.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Thanyaporn proposed two formulas for decision-making: the "Same Team Formula" and the "Formula for checks and balances." The Same Team Formula suggests selecting the governor and city councilors from the same group for faster and smoother implementation of budgets and policies. Conversely, the Formula for checks and balances proposes choosing a governor whose vision you like, but selecting councilors from independent groups or opposing factions to act as checks and balances on the executive branch.
It is important to reiterate that this local election "will not involve advance voting or absentee voting." Citizens must cast their votes on June 28th, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM only. They must also be mindful of social media laws, such as prohibiting posting supportive content or hinting at candidate numbers after 6:00 PM the day before the election, and strictly prohibiting photographing completed ballots.
This election is not just about the 4.4 million people registered as residents of Bangkok; it also affects a huge number of working people and transient residents. Therefore, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanyaporn invites everyone to exercise their right to vote using "Rational Choice," or making decisions based on reason and policies, to choose those who will transform Bangkok in the next four years.