A total of 16 candidates officially entered the race for Bangkok governor on Thursday as registration for the gubernatorial and city council elections opened ahead of the June 28 voting day.
Some 241 candidates applied for city council seats across 50 districts. Applications for those contesting the top job in the city's administration and Bangkok Metropolitan Council elections are open until June 1.
Registration at Bangkok City Hall 2 in Din Daeng district began with a transparent lottery draw to determine ballot numbers, overseen by city clerk Narong Ruangsri, who is serving as director of the local election process, alongside Election Commission (EC) chairman Narong Klanwarin.
Officials described the first day as orderly and energetic, with the first candidate arriving at the venue at 5.40am. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) authorities said about 1,500 personnel from all 50 district offices, supported by police, municipal officers and traffic officials, had been deployed to maintain order.
"The city was fully prepared for the election despite concerns over the rainy season," the city clerk said. He noted that of Bangkok's 6,629 polling stations, around 4,270 are located outdoors, prompting flood-prevention and drainage measures to ensure voter convenience and safety.
The BMA is targeting voter turnout above 60.7%, with officials urging residents to recognise the importance of electing a capable leadership to address the capital's long-standing challenges, the city clerk added.
The EC chairman confirmed preparations were fully in place for both the Bangkok gubernatorial election and the Pattaya mayoral election, which will also be held on June 28.
The ballot papers will not contain QR codes or barcodes, unlike some national ballots, Mr Narong said, adding they would all carry official stamps as an anti-fraud safeguard.
Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt, running as an independent, drew No 9 and unveiled the campaign slogan, "A city of opportunity and hope for everyone".
Mr Chadchart said his campaign would focus on direct engagement with communities, media debates and digital communication rather than extensive billboard advertising.
"If you trust me, vote for me," he told supporters. He said anti-corruption efforts would remain a central priority if re-elected.
He urged voters not to place too much emphasis on opinion polls, warning that "anything can change" during the next month.
Democrat Party candidate Anucha Burapachaisri, who received ballot No 5, arrived with party leader and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.
Mr Anucha outlined five core campaign priorities developed through consultations with city council candidates across all 50 districts: improving transport, creating a cleaner city, raising living standards, boosting incomes, and ensuring transparency in city administration.
He pledged to make procurement and budget data publicly accessible in order to combat corruption and increase public scrutiny of city contracts and spending.
People's Party candidate Chaiwat Sathawornwijit secured No 10 and pledged to pursue city-wide and district-level reform agendas.
