Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) has approved new regulations that will allow for live broadcasts of its meetings, aiming to enhance transparency among council members and the public. The council is set to scrutinize the BMA budget and will push for live broadcasts of the Budget Committee meetings.
According to Thai News Agency, the draft regulations for BMA council meetings, proposed by Mr. Chatchai Moddee, a BMA councilor from the People's Party, were deliberated in the second and third readings during a recent meeting. The initial approval of the draft amendment was given on July 22, 2026, with key provisions requiring committee meetings to be held publicly and permitting the chairman to order broadcasts when appropriate.
During the second reading, council members discussed specifics of the draft bill, including voting methods, broadcasting equipment, and responsibilities for live broadcasts. The third reading concluded with a vote where the draft bill was approved, receiving 40 votes in favor and 4 abstentions.
Following the approval, the People's Party held a press conference where Mr. Chatchai highlighted the fulfillment of their election promise to increase transparency through live broadcasts of committee meetings. He expressed gratitude to the council members who supported the draft and reiterated the party's commitment to scrutinizing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's budget to ensure efficient use of resources.
Mr. Chatchai announced that during the council meeting on August 3-4, 2026, the 2027 budget draft would be closely examined by People's Party members. The newly elected council members will present district-specific issues to ensure budget allocations meet local needs.
The People's Party also extended an invitation to citizens for the Budget Hack event on August 8, 2026, organized by the Bangkok City Council Chairman. This event is designed to scrutinize the budget further and boost transparency in budget allocation.
Concluding the press conference, Mr. Chatchai revealed plans to push for live broadcasts of Special Committee meetings on the budget and proposed the inclusion of five qualified external individuals in the committee to enhance the budget deliberation process.