Busy day on city campaign trail

Public safety, green policies, economy dominate issues

Key candidates in the June 28 Bangkok governor race continued to court voters on Saturday, pitching policies that range from public safety and environmental protection to economic revitalisation and transport improvements, as the campaign entered its final stretch.

Democrat Party candidate Anucha Burapachaisri spent the morning at Suan Luang Rama IX Park, accompanied by Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and other senior party figures, where he outlined his proposal to improve public parks and make better use of underutilised land in the city.

Speaking after meeting residents and inspecting exercise facilities at the park, Mr Anucha said Bangkok should strengthen security in parks by increasing patrols and improving surveillance coverage.

He called for more seating areas for elderly visitors, better maintenance of trees and landscaping and upgrades to buildings in public parks.

Mr Anucha also proposed improving transport links to major public parks and relocating outdoor exercise equipment to covered areas to extend their lifespan and enhance safety.

He said the party promotes transparent governance and accountability at City Hall.

Independent candidate Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook, meanwhile, travelled to Bang Khunthian district to hear concerns from residents affected by shoreline erosion and poor transport access.

Residents are calling for the city to accelerate plans for a bridge and transport links to improve connectivity, citing difficulties reaching hospitals and transporting seafood products during emergencies and adverse weather conditions.

Ms Mallika said Bang Khunthian, Bangkok’s only coastal district, holds strategic importance for environmental conservation, tourism and local livelihoods.

She pledged to pursue long-term solutions under her “Human Innovation” programme, including mangrove restoration, studies into bridge construction, smarter flood forecasting systems and upgrades to drainage infrastructure.

Meanwhile, People’s Party candidate Chaiwat Sathawornwichit campaigned at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in the city’s Taling Chan district, focusing on policies aimed at supporting small businesses and local tourism.

Mr Chaiwat said the market remained one of the district’s most important attractions but had become less vibrant in recent years.

To stimulate spending, he proposed a “SME Receipt Lottery” scheme, under which shoppers would receive one entry for every 20 baht spent at participating small businesses, with Bangkok allocating monthly prize funds worth 10 million baht.

Addressing broader city issues, Mr Chaiwat pledged to tackle corruption, protection rackets and opaque administrative practices, while advocating stricter oversight of public construction projects and expanded feeder transport services.

Former governor Chadchart Sittipunt, running as an independent, also stepped up his campaign on the same day by launching his first official motorcade tour alongside his son.

Mr Chadchart’s team mapped out a full day of activities across southern Thon Buri, focusing on the densely populated districts of Chom Thong and Bang Khunthian, both important residential and economic areas.

The team said the tour was intended to bring his policies and vision for Bangkok directly to residents through a more proactive outreach effort.