Bangkok votes for governor as Chadchart 'Hulk' aims for record second term

Bangkok held its gubernatorial election on Sunday, with over 4.5 million eligible voters casting ballots for the city’s next governor and 50 council members. Chadchart Sittipunt, affectionately called “Hulk,” is widely expected to secure a record second term. The 60-year-old former transport minister and engineering lecturer has run an energetic campaign, going door-to-door in working-class communities, meeting the Thai Sikh community, and even jogging through central Bangkok. He arrived at his polling station on a bicycle, smiling and urging citizens to beat the previous 60% turnout.

Chadchart inherits a capital grappling with persistent urban woes: frequent flooding, crippling traffic congestion, and severe air pollution. Despite these challenges, Bangkok remains one of Asia’s most visited and vibrant cities. His return would continue efforts to modernize infrastructure and improve quality of life. The election is seen as a key test of public confidence in addressing the megacity’s long-standing problems.