The ‘Agong’ Network and the NACC Filing
The legal assault on Chadchart Sittipunt began formally at 10:00 AM on June 8, when Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Nation Love, Land Love Organization, submitted a request to the NACC in Nonthaburi. As Thairath reported, the complaint asks the commission to determine if Chadchart committed corruption or intentionally abused his power by neglecting to stop a shadow system of appointments.
This filing isn’t a standalone accusation but the culmination of a political firestorm ignited by two different parties. Former Bangkok MP Jirayu Houngsub of the Pheu Thai Party first raised the alarm on June 2, alleging that Chadchart’s administration was managed by a “back office” consisting of individuals referred to as “Sia T” and “Sia P.” According to Daily News, these figures allegedly held the power to decide the fates of BMA officials and controlled significant budgets, creating a breeding ground for bribes across various departments.
The pressure intensified when Kris Potranunt, MP and Chairman of the Economic Party, launched a campaign titled “Open Operation to Smash! The Agong Regime.” Potranunt questioned who was actually running the city—Chadchart or a political appointee known as “Agong”—while further alleging the involvement of another individual identified only as “P.R.”
Sexual Harassment Allegations and the ‘Teo Tai’ Controversy
The scandal takes a darker turn with allegations of systemic sexual misconduct. Jirayu Houngsub introduced the phrase “climbing the ladder, the minor husband’s adventure” to describe a culture where sexual favors were allegedly traded for promotions to district director positions. Jirayu claims to possess written complaints regarding sexual harassment by these officials, which have since sparked widespread public criticism on social media.
However, not all political actors agree that these failures land on the Governor’s desk. Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party, expressed confusion over the attempt to link the conduct of individual district directors to Chadchart. In a post shared via Daily News, Wiroj argued that if harassment occurred, the evidence should be sent to the BMA Permanent Secretary for disciplinary action rather than being used to smear the Governor.
“If we take the inappropriate behavior of BMA officials and blame it all on the Governor, the Governor wouldn’t be able to get any work done.”
Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, Deputy Leader of the People’s Party
Chadchart’s Denial and the Pattavikorn Market Counter
Facing these accusations, Chadchart has pivoted to a strategy of transparency and direct challenge. During a campaign visit to the Pattavikorn Market in the Bueng Kum district, Chadchart explicitly denied any knowledge of an “Agong regime” and insisted that all personnel transfers under his watch were transparent.
Rather than retreating, Chadchart invited his critics to bring their evidence into the light. As ThaiCH8 reported, he issued a direct message to Jirayu Houngsub:
“If you know… just let me know.”
Chadchart Sittipunt, BMA Governor Candidate
Chadchart used the appearance to shift the conversation back to policy, outlining an economic plan to increase the number of large investing companies in Bangkok from 1,400 to 2,000, while simultaneously supporting SMEs. He also highlighted plans for AI-enhanced education and the creation of six new parks across the city, attempting to frame the “Agong” allegations as a distraction from tangible quality-of-life improvements.
The People’s Party and the ‘Lamphun Model’ Strategy
While some in the People’s Party defend Chadchart from unfair “mud-slinging,” other candidates are using the scandal to carve out a distinct anti-corruption brand. Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, a BMA Governor candidate from the People’s Party, has framed the “Agong” issue as a structural failure that only a total change in leadership can fix.
Speaking at the Or Tor Kor market, Chaiwat argued that corruption in appointments is a tool for “recouping election investments.” He posits that if the top leadership is incorruptible, the subordinates have no incentive to engage in bribery. According to MGR Online, Chaiwat cited the “Lamphun Model” from the Provincial Administrative Organization as proof, claiming that their systems reduced corruption and budget leakage significantly, mentioning a figure of more than 26.
“These problems can be said plainly: if the head doesn’t shake, the tail doesn’t wag. Therefore, this is a matter for which the People’s Party asks for an opportunity from the people of Bangkok to show that management with a firm determination not to allow corruption is actually possible.”
Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, BMA Governor Candidate
The current political landscape suggests a three-way collision: Srisuwan and the NACC pursuing a legal path, the Pheu Thai and Economic parties driving the narrative of a “shadow government,” and the People’s Party attempting to position itself as the only systemic cure for “regimes” like Agong’s. With the NACC now involved, the next 30 days will likely determine if the “Agong” claims are backed by evidence or if they will remain a potent, but unproven, campaign weapon.
