In one of the most one-sided -- and arguably least exciting -- gubernatorial elections ever, Chadchart Sittipunt secured another landslide victory, earning himself a second and final term at City Hall.
In Sunday's gubernatorial election, he received more than 1.4 million votes -- 15% more than he did in the 2022 election.
The decisive win suggests Bangkok voters remain satisfied with his performance, despite critics and observers describing many of his projects as routine tasks, such as dredging clogged canals and building small pocket parks.
The landslide victory -- despite recent negative campaigning by the People's Party targeting one of his advisers over alleged bribery -- shows that voters still believe in Mr Chadchart's clean image.
City Hall has proved to be a difficult place for Bangkok governors seeking a second term.
Legendary Bangkok governor Gen Chamlong Srimuang left City Hall quietly after voters and city councillors realised that their humble governor planned to enter national politics.
Bhichit Rattakul's second term was smooth but largely forgettable.
Apirak Kosayodhin, praised for his professional management style, saw his second term overshadowed by a fire truck procurement controversy.
MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra -- who, like Mr Chadchart, won a second term by a landslide -- saw his popularity decline amid criticism over slow performance and controversial budget spending.
In short, a second term is a real stress test for any governor, no matter how popular or powerful they may be.
Mr Chadchart will be no exception. Voters have seen enough of his "tiny vessels" style of governance -- small maintenance projects, flood-drainage work, and pocket parks. After four years, they will expect him to perform surgery at the "artery" level by delivering bigger and more structural changes.
One area where the Bangkok governor can make a significant impact is urban planning reform, which falls under his authority.
In his second term, he has an opportunity to pursue structural reforms by designating green areas and floodways in low-lying areas to preserve land for water absorption. He can also revise urban planning rules to promote more sustainable city development rather than focusing only on practical solutions.
Mr Chadchart can also make Bangkok a truly open society by expanding public engagement and giving communities a greater say in local development decisions.
One immediate issue he could revisit is the 264-million-baht riverside development project stretching from the Blue Line rail bridge near Bang O station to Krung Thon Bridge. The scheme -- a scaled-down version of the controversial riverside promenade proposed by the previous junta government nearly a decade ago -- has faced resistance from local communities.
Voters will also be watching to see whether Mr Chadchart takes a tougher approach to corruption. Despite his clean image, his anti-corruption efforts have been criticised as passive and bureaucratic. The investigation into gym equipment procurement has dragged on for nearly two years without a conclusion.
Mr Chadchart has proven himself to be a remarkable governor of Bangkok. The real test now is whether he can leave Bangkok and City Hall in a better condition than when he found them.
