Thai PBS, together with five leading media partners and a network of civil society organisations, is inviting three Bangkok gubernatorial candidates — Anucha Burapachaisri, Chadchart Sittipunt, and Chaiwat Sathawornwichit — to present their visions for the city at a special live forum, ‘Think Tank Bangkok: Brainstorming the Future of Bangkok,’ on 18 June.
The event opens a public space for Bangkok residents to hear directly from the candidates and weigh their visions for the city's future, as part of efforts to surface ideas and solutions to the challenges and aspirations facing Bangkok. Somchai Bhudachandra, Deputy Director General of Thai PBS, said the 'Next Station: The Future of Bangkok' campaign — built around the theme 'Bangkok Has Come Far, and Can Go Further' — is now entering its final stretch ahead of the 2026 Bangkok gubernatorial election. For this forum, Thai PBS has partnered with leading media organisations including Channel 3, Thairath TV, PPTV, Matichon Group, and The Standard to create a shared public space for dialogue through 'Think Tank Bangkok: Brainstorming the Future of Bangkok,' allowing all three candidates to present their visions and policy approaches on issues central to residents' quality of life, and to exchange views on the many challenges facing the city.
"This forum is designed as a space for sharing visions and constructive ideas — not a competition between participants," DDG Somchai said. "It's an opportunity to put forward information and ideas that serve the public interest, so that residents can hear a well-rounded range of perspectives and make up their own minds. Viewers will see the candidates pressed on key urban issues by leading editors, hear in-depth analysis from civil society networks, and consider proposals for Bangkok's future that reflect the voices and needs of the people who live here."
The special programme will be hosted by two of Thailand's best-known news anchors and presenters, Kitti Singhapat and Karuna Buakamsri, who will guide the discussion, prompt the candidates to share their visions, and help viewers understand the key issues facing the capital through data, facts, and a range of perspectives.
‘Think Tank Bangkok: Brainstorming the Future of Bangkok’ is airing live on Thursday, 18 June 2026, from 5:00 PM, across all Thai PBS platforms. Follow all election coverage, in-depth data, and results at Thai PBS Channel 3 and at www.thaipbs.or.th/BKKElection69
