On May 18, 2026, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, paid his final respects to the city’s sacred Buddha image, “Phra Phuttha Nawarat Bophit,” at City Hall ahead of his official resignation later that evening. Accompanied by his deputy governors, advisors, and executives, Chadchart’s departure marked the emotional conclusion of his four-year term. When asked about his final prayers before the sacred image, the outgoing Governor selflessly focused on the collective future, praying that whatever unfolds will bring the best outcomes for the nation rather than wishing for his personal political return. Reflecting on his tenure, Chadchart remarked that happy times pass incredibly fast, noting that the past four years felt as though they flew by because he approached his duties with genuine enjoyment and hope.

The Governor cited the citizens of Bangkok and his son, Saendee, as his primary inspirations for seeking a second term. He explained that witnessing tangible improvements in the public’s quality of life serves as a powerful driving force to continue working. Reviewing his administration’s structural legacy, Mr. Chadchart highlighted the dual strategy of addressing Bangkok’s “arteries”, such as major drainage tunnels and electric train transit systems, while simultaneously fortifying the city’s “capillaries” through localized infrastructure. He emphasized that integrating advanced technology to boost municipal productivity and efficiency is crucial if Bangkok is to remain competitive on the global stage and foster a robust urban economy.

The atmosphere at the Sao Chingcha headquarters was characterized by a sense of warmth as civil servants and media representatives gathered to bid farewell to Mr. Chadchart, who toured his well-populated office one final time while receiving waves from those at the windows. In his remarks, he expressed profound gratitude to the public, city personnel, and the media for their steadfast cooperation, while also extending apologies for any perceived shortcomings during his tenure. He emphasized that his primary aim was to contribute to the flourishing of the capital. Looking ahead, Mr. Chadchart intends to resume his life as a private citizen briefly in order to attend his son’s upcoming graduation ceremony, after which he plans to return to address the challenges facing the city once more.

#BMA