Governor Chadchart Begins Second Term, Unveils Team and Policies

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt began his second term on his first day in office, holding a press conference to introduce his new executive team and outline his urgent policy agenda. Governor Chadchart stated that the core of his work moving forward will be translating his 261 campaign pledges into a clear Action Plan with defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). He aims to have all action plans finalized within two days, ensuring that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) 70,000 employees are aware of their daily tasks and objectives from the moment they start work. Regarding the urgent priorities for the first 100 days, Governor Chadchart announced plans to issue an order to enhance transparency through increased data disclosure. He will focus on resolving outstanding projects and addressing public concerns, particularly in public health, by revising regulations for childcare centers and expediting doctor appointment systems. Strict measures against corruption will be implemented, and government information will be made more accessible to the public. In environmental and urban planning, efforts will be made to clear up problematic projects such as the On Nut waste disposal facility and to improve sidewalks and running tracks. In economic and security matters, he addressed the issues in Chinatown (Yaowarat) and the illegal employment of foreign workers who compete with Thai nationals for jobs. These issues will be prioritized for immediate action to swiftly provide solutions for the people of Bangkok. When asked about the restructuring of the Chief Advisor position from Mr. Tossaporn to Mr. Jakkapan, Governor Chadchart explained that the change had been considered for a year and reiterated that there is no "Agong system" (nepotism) and that the public is not concerned about this, as evidenced by the election results and public understanding of his explanations. Mr. Tossaporn will remain as a senior advisor for strategic matters, and his own brother will serve as a medical advisor without salary. Regarding collaboration with the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Governor Chadchart expressed his readiness to work with all council members, regardless of their party affiliation. He congratulated all elected council members, believing they were chosen with the intention to serve the public, and pledged to prioritize the public's benefit. On the issue of the "curse of the second term," where many past governors did not complete their tenure, Governor Chadchart stated he is not worried, as dwelling on it is unproductive. The most important thing is to perform his duties to the best of his ability, and he hopes to complete his term and dispel this belief. Concerning the fight against corruption, Governor Chadchart believes that Bangkok has shown significant improvement in anti-corruption efforts over the past four years, reflected in the statistics and operational results. He reiterated that he has instructed the executive team, the permanent secretary, and deputy permanent secretaries to consider anti-corruption as the number one priority and to pursue it continuously. The new executive team includes four Deputy Governors: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wisanu Sapwongpon, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thavida Kamolvej, Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, and Mr. Pornprom Na.S. Wikitseth. Mr. Jakkapan Piwngam has been elevated to Chief Advisor, and Mr. Tossaporn Chotimongkol will serve as Senior Advisor. Source: INN News