Mallika accepts voters' verdict after Bangkok governor race

Finishing in second-place, Mallika Boonmeetrakool Mahasook has accepted the result of Sunday's Bangkok gubernatorial election, saying it fell short of her expectations but reflects the will of Bangkok’s voters.

A former journalist and veteran politician, Mallika began her career as a reporter and television news anchor before entering politics in 2005.

She later became one of the Democrat Party's best-known figures, serving as a deputy spokesperson and holding advisory roles in government, before contesting the election as an independent after leaving the party.

Mallika thanked Bangkok residents for every vote they cast for her, describing them as "sincere votes" that reflected a desire to see positive change and development in the capital.

She was speaking after an unofficial vote tally showed that Chadchart Sittipunt had swept to a landslide victory, securing a second term as Bangkok governor with about 1.44 million votes.

Mallika received about 288,000 votes, finishing ahead of People's Party candidate Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, despite the party having won all 33 Bangkok constituencies in the 2023 general election.

Although the outcome fell below her expectations, Mallika said she respects the decision of Bangkok voters, adding that "The outcome was below what my campaign team had expected, but I fully respect the decision of the people."

She said her team had worked to the best of their ability throughout the campaign and that she will now return to managing her private business.

Mallika also urged the winner, Chadchart Sittipunt, to consider adopting worthwhile policies proposed by other candidates for the benefit of Bangkok residents.

Expressing confidence that the election would not create divisions in society, she said "In a democracy, those who lose return to being citizens and continue contributing to society, while those who win become its leaders."

The other defeated candidates also congratulated Chadchart and pledged to continue serving the public.

Third-place finisher Chaiwat Sathawornwichit thanked Bangkok residents for their support and congratulated Chadchart on winning a second term.

He thanked voters for supporting both his gubernatorial bid and People's party candidates in the Bangkok Council election, saying he believes that the party's councillors will work alongside the new governor to improve the quality of life for Bangkok residents.

The People's party won 22 of the 50 Bangkok Council seats, followed by the ‘Working Group’ with 11 and the Democrat party with eight.

"Whatever role or position I may have, I remain committed to working hard and demonstrating my dedication to the public," he said.

Meanwhile, Anucha Burapachaisri, the Democrat candidate who finished fourth, congratulated Chadchart on his victory, saying that, if any policies proposed by the Democrat Party could help improve Bangkok, he would welcome the new governor adopting them.

He said the information and feedback gathered during six weeks of campaigning across all 50 districts of the capital would provide valuable insights for the city's future administration.

Anucha also thanked Democrat Party members and Bangkok residents who voted for the party, including those who had not supported it in previous elections, adding that the campaign was not merely about seeking votes but also about listening to residents' concerns and their desire to see local problems addressed.

Although he was not elected, Anucha pledged to continue working on the ground, serving as a bridge between the public and relevant government agencies to help resolve problems facing Bangkok residents.