Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently conducted an extensive rehearsal for the registration of candidates vying for the positions of Bangkok Governor and Bangkok City Council members. This significant event witnessed the deployment of nearly 1,500 staff members to assist the candidates in the registration process.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narong Ruangsri, the Permanent Secretary of the BMA and Director of the Bangkok Local Election Commission, along with the Bangkok Local Election Commission (BMA EC) and BMA executives, held a press briefing to declare the administration's readiness for candidate registration. They assured that personnel, venues, facilities, security measures, and strategies to manage potential flooding due to adverse weather conditions are in place to ensure a smooth, honest, transparent, and fair election process.
The BMA has scheduled the registration period for election candidates from May 28 to June 1, 2026. Registrations will occur from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Bangkok Room, B2 Floor, Irawat Pattana Building. Candidates are encouraged to arrive as early as 5:00 AM to complete document verification and preparation before registration.
Mr. Narong highlighted that nearly 1,500 staff members are dedicated to various roles, including registration, document verification, facilitation, and security. The administration has designated distinct registration areas for Bangkok Governor and City Council candidates to enhance efficiency and minimize congestion.
For the Bangkok Governor candidates, a registration and document verification point is set up on the left side before entering Bangkok Hall, with four registration desks available. For City Council candidates, a separate registration and initial document verification area is established inside the Bangkok Hall for all 50 districts, designed to reduce waiting times. Candidates are permitted a maximum of two accompanying persons in the registration area.
In collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Command, Din Daeng Police Station, and relevant agencies, the BMA has put measures in place to ensure safety, manage traffic, inspect for suspicious items, and maintain order in the registration vicinity.
This year's registration process is reportedly more streamlined than previous elections due to the district committees' direct involvement in handling candidate registration, enhancing efficiency. Designated areas for candidate supporters and followers, along with specific routes for pick-up and drop-off, have been organized to prevent traffic congestion. Proper use of loudspeakers is permitted, provided the volume remains appropriate.
In preparation for potential adverse weather conditions, the BMA has coordinated with relevant agencies and rehearsed flood prevention plans. Measures include preparing personnel, equipment, and communication systems to alert the public in case of heavy rainfall or flooding during the election period.
For the 2026 general election, Bangkok has made provisions for the 6,629 polling stations across the area, of which 60% are outdoor. District offices are tasked with evaluating these locations for flood risks, ensuring they remain accessible. Polling tents and drainage systems are also subject to inspection and improvement as needed.
Regarding campaign expenses, candidates for Bangkok Governor are allowed to spend up to 49 million baht, while City Council candidates may spend between 820,000 and 1,150,000 baht, based on constituency size. There is no restriction on the number of campaign assistants.
Mr. Khajit Chatchavanich, Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Election Commission, stressed the commission's role in ensuring fair elections and urged citizens to vote. He also reminded candidates to choose suitable locations for campaign signs, with district offices authorized to remove any that obstruct traffic.
Following the press conference, media representatives were invited to witness a simulated registration process at the Bangkok Room, B2 Floor, Irawat Pattana Building. The simulation covered registration, document verification, queuing, candidate number drawing, and systems to facilitate candidates, media, and the public, ensuring an orderly, transparent, and fair election registration process.