THE RESULTS of yesterday’s (June 28) elections in Bangkok with former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt having scored a landslide victory show that “Big House” style of politics is still entrenched in the capital when it come comes to the city council, former Election Commission member Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said on Facebook today as reported by Naewna newspaper.
In political jargon, “Big House” refers to members of well-known families who have made their mark in the political arena.
No one expected candidates affiliated with political parties, including 22 from People’s Party, eight from Democrat Party, and four from Pheu Thai, to be elected out of a total of 50 council seats with the explanation being that Bangkok city council elections are not solely based on party affiliation as individual factors also play a role.
The four seats Pheu Thai obtained in Thung Khru, Chom Thong, Min Buri, and Sai Mai could be all considered to have come from individual factors. Incumbent councillor Mr. Kittipong Ruayfupan, nicknamed Ice, representing Thung Kru, campaigned diligently everyday and has proven track record while incumbent councillor Mr. Suthichai Weerakulsunthorn, aka Hea Lan, of Chom Thong district, has been in office for many terms and Mr. Wirat Meenchainant’s surname dominates the Min Buri area. They are all notable figures.
The Democrat Party won eight seats but without Mr. Pinij Kanjanachusak, who is popular with the Chinese community in Yaowarat, they would not have won Sampanthawong. Without incumbent councillor Ms. Nipaphan Chinglertsiri, they would not have won Pom Prap. The remaining seats were won by individuals who have consistently worked in their respective areas.
The People’s Party won 22 seats with a portion being from sweeping inner city areas such as Ratchathewi, Phaya Thai, Dusit, Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, and Watthana, where party popularity is still more important than individual candidates.
However, seats won in outer areas, such as Mr. Yokpornchai Issarasereepong winning in Nong Chok is considered to be due to individual and family merit. The remaining seats in the middle and outer city areas were won by individuals who consistently worked to help the people as incumbent councillors.
Among the independent candidates, many were former Bangkok city councillors who shed their party affiliations. For example, Mr. Nawarat Ubamrung switched from red to white shirt, and the Muangsiri family, whose members won in Bang Bon and Bang Khun Thian, have been associated with several parties. The independent winner in Khun Na Yao, with the surname Wipattiphumiprasert, also indicates party affiliation.
CAPTIONS:
Top – Bangkokians voting in the gubernatorial and city council elections yesterday, June 28,2026. Photo – Amarin TV
Insert : Former Election Commission (EC) member Mr. Somchai Srisutthiyakorn. Photo – Thai Rath
Front Page – Heavy rain at a polling station. Photo – Thai News PIX BBC
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