Bangkok: The Bangkok gubernatorial election is under scrutiny as accusations of corruption and bribery unsettle the political landscape. Thepthai Senpong, a political observer, highlighted these issues on his Facebook page, "Thepthai - Political Talk," pointing to the influence of the "Akong system," which he claims undermines the government and impacts Governor Chatchart Sittipunt's popularity.
According to Thai News Agency, the latest NIDA Poll by the National Institute of Development Administration shows Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt leading the initial stages of the 2026 Bangkok gubernatorial election with 67.30% popularity, far ahead of competitors who failed to reach 10%. Despite this lead, political analysts warn of the uncertainties inherent in politics, particularly with the ongoing discussions around corruption and the "Akong system" under Chatchart's administration.
Mr. Chatchart has dismissed the existence of the "Akong system," labeling it as rhetoric for political attacks. His apprehension is evident as he urges his team to stay vigilant against potential corruption scandals that could harm his standing with Bangkok residents.
The corruption discourse has been amplified by comments from at least two gubernatorial candidates. Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit of the People's Party emphasized the need for robust prevention and investigation systems to tackle corruption, while Democrat Party candidate Anucha Burapachaisri suggested that despite denials from some Bangkok Metropolitan Administration officials, corruption persists but is difficult to trace.
Both candidates used the metaphor "If the head doesn't shake, the tail won't wag," alluding to Mr. Chatchart's administration. This suggests that long-standing corruption issues may emerge, especially if opponents like Mr. Chaiwat and Mr. Anucha focus on exposing these weaknesses. Such developments could challenge Mr. Chatchart's overwhelming lead, with the potential for significant shifts in public support.