Recently resigned Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt has denied allegations of corruption, patronage networks, and the sale of civil service positions within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) during his tenure.
He challenged his critics to submit evidence to anti-corruption authorities, and warned that spreading false information during an election campaign could carry criminal consequences.
The controversy emerged after the Economic Party announced plans to hold a press conference alleging corruption through what it described as the "Agong System," while Jirayu Huangsap, a former Bangkok MP from the Pheu Thai Party, claimed influential figures were involved in unfair appointments and transfers of district directors and senior BMA officials.
The allegations included claims of "chair trading" and the buying and selling of government positions, with plans to submit evidence to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).
Mr Chadchart, who recently stepped down as governor and is seeking re-election in the June 28 gubernatorial election, dismissed the accusations and insisted that all appointments and transfers within City Hall were conducted transparently under regulations set by the BMA Civil Service Commission.
"If there is evidence, submit it immediately," Mr Chadchart said. "Anyone making such allegations must be responsible for their words. Had there been real evidence of corruption, I would not have been able to continue working until today because issues of transparency are constantly scrutinised."
He argued that accusations of position trading strike at the heart of public administration and should have been raised earlier if credible evidence existed. "If anyone has information, they should bring it forward and submit it directly to the NACC rather than making vague accusations."
Addressing claims about the so-called "Agong System" associated with alleged shady appointments of officials through a broker, Mr Chadchart said the term was fabricated and did not reflect any actual mechanism within his administration.
"There is no such system," he said. "It is merely a label that has been created. As for advisers or individuals close to the governor meeting politicians from various parties, that is normal and should not be viewed as problematic."
The governor questioned why the allegations surfaced only in the final stretch of the Bangkok gubernatorial election campaign.
Mr Chadchart also responded to claims regarding the cancellation of appointment orders affecting nearly 20 district directors and inspectors.
He said the issue stemmed from procedural concerns raised by the BMA Merit System Protection Commission, which determined that parts of the selection process required correction.
