A Father’s Love, a City’s Hope

Chadchart Sittipunt’s journey to becoming Governor of Bangkok was built on decades of experience as an engineer, university professor, and Thailand’s Minister of Transport. In 2022, he chose to run for Bangkok governor as an independent candidate, campaigning on the idea of making Bangkok “a livable city for everyone.” His practical approach, accessibility, and emphasis on solving everyday neighborhood problems resonated strongly with Bangkok residents. He won the election with more than 1.38 million votes, one of the most remarkable electoral victories in the city’s history.

Behind his public life is another important part of Chadchart’s story—his role as a father. His only son, Sandee (Sanpiti Sittipunt), was born with profound hearing impairment. Chadchart devoted considerable time and effort to finding ways to help his son hear, communicate, learn, and participate fully in society. Sandee eventually received a cochlear implant, but the journey required years of patience, support, and determination from his family. Chadchart has described his experience as a parent as something that helped him better understand the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families.

That personal experience also influenced the kind of Bangkok Chadchart wanted to build. His vision was not simply about roads, transportation, or infrastructure, but about creating a city in which people of different ages, abilities, and circumstances could live with dignity and opportunity. His story therefore connects two very different responsibilities—leading a city of millions and caring for one child—and shows how the lessons learned within a family can grow into a commitment to serve a much larger community.