'Agong' claims yet to make a dent

Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt remains the overwhelming favourite to win another term, but the closing weeks of the campaign have become increasingly dominated by questions over transparency and accountability.

A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration placed Mr Chadchart on 67.3% support, far ahead of any rival, suggesting he remains on course to repeat his landslide victory in 2022.

Yet the election is becoming a test of the very quality that helped propel him to office: public trust.

Under the slogan "Bangkok Works", Mr Chadchart's second-term campaign largely extends programmes introduced during his first four years in office. The platform contains 251 initiatives organised around quality of life, economic opportunity, a liveable city and efficient administration.

Healthcare remains a central priority. Mr Chadchart has pledged to expand Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) hospitals to support 1.3 million people. His urban agenda includes additional investment in pavements, cycling routes, flood management and environmental measures.

A major goal is passage of the proposed BMA Act 2025, which Mr Chadchart says would modernise Bangkok's governance structure and provide City Hall with greater authority over issues currently controlled by outside agencies.

The campaign reflects Mr Chadchart's long-standing commitment that the city government should focus on solving everyday problems rather than relying solely on large infrastructure projects.

Critics have frequently dismissed such initiatives as "capillary policies" or small-scale projects that address minor issues rather than transforming Bangkok.

Mr Chadchart rejects that characterisation. "People say we only work on capillary projects. I disagree," he said during a recent campaign appearance.

He frequently cites the Traffy Fondue complaints platform as evidence that incremental reforms can produce wider change.

More than one million complaints have been processed through the system and some 70% of flooding-related complaints have been resolved, he says.

"These small-scale projects are powerful," he said. "They change systems and can be more significant than many megaprojects."

However, policy discussions have lately been overshadowed by allegations concerning what critics have labelled the "Agong system".

The controversy emerged after former Pheu Thai MP Jirayu Houngsub and Economic Party leader Chris Potranandana alleged that influential figures operating behind the scenes exercised undue influence over appointments and transfers of 17 senior BMA officials.

The issue intensified after the politicians filed a petition to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to investigate the matter on Thursday.

Mr Jirayu alleged that said individuals outside formal administrative structures played a significant role in promotions and transfers.

Mr Chris claimed to possess evidence involving the movement of 16 district directors and one inspector during Mr Chadchart's administration.

He also alleged that some assistant district directors had been told promotion required payments of up to 4 million baht and meetings at a so-called "safehouse".

No evidence supporting those allegations has yet been examined through formal proceedings.

Even so, the accusations have political significance because they strike directly at Mr Chadchart's image as an independent reformer operating outside traditional patronage networks.

Former deputy governor Tavida Kamolvej has rejected the allegations, arguing personnel decisions followed established procedures.

She also dismissed suggestions that references to "Agong" reflected an informal power structure, describing the term as merely a nickname for a respected senior adviser. Mr Chadchart himself has welcomed scrutiny.

"Good. I have no problem with investigations," he said.

He said public discussion of the issue had produced "no substance and no real evidence" and urged greater attention to policies affecting residents.

At the same time, Mr Chadchart has been forced to defend his administration's handling of corruption allegations linked to the procurement of exercise equipment.

Critics questioned disciplinary outcomes after investigations involving 32 officials resulted in 20 being cleared and 12 receiving penalties viewed by opponents as too lenient.

The controversy intensified after reports that some officials received salary reductions of only a few hundred baht despite allegations involving overpriced procurement. Mr Chadchart insists the matter remains unresolved.

"This case is not finished," he said during a recent press conference.

City Hall established investigative committees, he said, referred the case to anti-corruption agencies and supported disciplinary proceedings involving senior officials.

"Corruption is something I detest," he said. "Anyone seeking personal benefit is unacceptable to me."

His supporters also point to a broader record of disciplinary enforcement.

Ms Tavida says 41 officials were dismissed during the administration following complaints and investigations, adding that misconduct cases were actively pursued rather than ignored. Politically, however, the controversy may ultimately be less about evidence than perception.

The greatest risk to Mr Chadchart's campaign is not necessarily that allegations will be proven before polling day.

Investigations by oversight agencies are likely to continue well beyond the election.

The challenge is whether the accusations succeed in undermining the trust that became the foundation of his political success.

For now, polling suggests that confidence remains largely intact. Mr Chadchart retains a commanding lead, no challenger has emerged as a serious threat and many voters continue to view his administration positively.

Yet as election day on June 28 approaches, the central question is no longer simply whether Bangkok's roads are smoother or drains clearer, but whether voters believe the transparency and accountability that helped propel Mr Chadchart to power have survived four years at City Hall.