Voters Still Back Chadchart for Bangkok Governor, Says NIDA Poll
A newly released NIDA Poll suggests that incumbent governor Chadchart Sittipunt would likely win re-election if a vote were held today. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 Bangkok voters between May 15-21, found that 48.3 percent of voters would back him, 39.2 percent were undecided, 18.65 percent said they would not, and 0.15 percent gave no answer.
Chadchart won the Bangkok gubernatorial election in 2022 by a landslide, securing 51.8 percent of the vote. He garnered 1,386,215 votes—well ahead of his closest rivals: Suchatvee Suwansawat of the Democrat Party, with 254,647 votes, and Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn of the Move Forward Party, with 253,851.
Chadchart previously served as transport minister from October 2012 to May 2014, under the Pheu Thai-led government of PM Yingluck Shinawatra. During his tenure, he earned a reputation for a hands-on, technocratic approach with emphasis on infrastructure. The role helped cement his image as a capable and pragmatic leader, paving the way for his successful run for governor. Though previously linked to the Pheu Thai Party, Chadchart ran as an independent, capitalising on his broad popularity and strong name recognition.
In March, Chadchart confirmed he would run for a second term in the next election, scheduled for June 2026. His campaign will center on continued engagement with residents through the weekly 'Governor on Tour' events held every Sunday.
