Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has clarified procedures regarding the expiration of the Bangkok Governor's term. According to the ECT, if the term of the current Bangkok Governor expires, the governor is required by law to remain in office until a successor is appointed.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT emphasized that if the governor neither resigns nor appoints a deputy governor to serve in their place, they must continue in their role until a new governor takes office. This stipulation ensures continuity in governance and is mandated by the legal framework.
In instances where the governor vacates the position for reasons other than term expiration, such as resignation, the responsibility falls on the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok. The Permanent Secretary will act as the governor until a newly elected governor assumes duties, as outlined in the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Act, B.E. 2528 (1985) and its subsequent amendments.
The ECT also noted the difference in procedures between the Bangkok Governor and other local administrative organizations. In other organizations such as Provincial Administrative Organizations, municipalities, or Sub-district Administrative Organizations, the permanent secretary of the local administrative body steps in when the executive position becomes vacant.