Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to Resign for Re-election Bid

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt resigned from his position on May 15, 2026, ahead of the scheduled conclusion of his term on May 21, 2026. The resignation allows the governor to travel to the United States to attend his son’s bachelor’s degree graduation before launching a bid for re-election as an independent candidate.

The transition began on May 15, 2026, when Chadchart was absent from a scheduled press conference regarding the preparation of Bangkok’s comprehensive city plan. Deputy Bangkok Governor Wisanu Subsompon was assigned to brief the media in his place.

Election Timeline and Candidacy

Chadchart is expected to return to Thailand to register as a candidate in the Bangkok governor election on May 28, 2026. During the registration process, he is also expected to unveil a new working team and a group of deputy Bangkok governors.

Under current law, the resignation of a Bangkok governor requires the Bangkok Election Commission to organize a new election within 60 days.

Administrative Transition

Following the resignation, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) permanent secretary has been designated to serve as the acting governor. Reports from Bangkok City Hall indicated that the offices of the governor’s secretaries, advisers and deputy governors began packing their belongings following the announcement.

The resignation occurred as the BMA executive branch worked to finalize the draft expenditure budget for fiscal year 2027. The draft budget, valued at approximately 93 billion baht, was slated for completion by May 15, 2026.

This draft will be submitted to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for consideration by the incoming governor to ensure that budget disbursement can commence on October 1, 2026.