5 decades of governor elections that have shaped modern Bangkok

13 Sept 06:11 Key points summarised by AI

Bangkok's administrative structure transformed in 1975, becoming a special entity run by an elected governor with a four-year term, following its merger from Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri provinces.
Modern Bangkok has seen 16 governors, with only seven elected; the first elected governor, Thammanoon Thien-ngern, was removed within two years, signaling early political volatility.
Gubernatorial elections have been suspended twice by military juntas, leading to long breaks of over a decade each, during which appointed governors managed the city.
Notable 'dark horses' like Chamlong Srimuang and Bhichit Rattakul achieved unexpected victories, while only three candidates have surpassed the million-vote mark in the city's history.
The Democrat Party has dominated the last four gubernatorial elections since 2004, consistently winning, while political parties associated with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have never secured the governorship.

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