Chadchart Sittipunt's massive poll victory has sent political seismic waves not only to local but also to national politics.
On one hand, the phenomenal results of the May 22 gubernatorial poll, after a nine-year break, revives the hope to "vote for change" and how democratisation provides an answer to a country trapped in long-standing polarisation. The victory makes people see the possibility of going beyond politics riddled with colour-coded conflicts.
Definitely, Mr Chadchart's success, which saw him garner 1.38 million votes, was not a matter of luck. In fact, his return to politics comes at the right time when the days of the Prayut regime are numbered with the prime minister's popularity going down the drain amid a spate of problems.
On the other hand, Mr Chadchart's victory sends a strong message to the government under Gen Prayut -- that the people are fed up with the old politics in the hands of the ex-junta that has controlled the country for more than eight years.
The shameless tactics used by those in power to maximise their gains at a time when millions are struggling with economic hardship have reflected poorly on them. This explains why voters ditched all the candidates in the government camp, namely Suchatvee Suwansawat, Aswin Kwanmuang, Sakoltee Phattiyakul as well as Rosana Tositrakul who was backed by yellow-clad PAD leaders.
But it is unfair to credit Mr Chadchart's achievement as being the result of the country's political situation. His background is a magnet in itself. His impressive education (a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate and engineering lecturer at Chulalongkorn University), and work experience as transport minister under the Yingluck government, made him the right choice in the eyes of city voters. Few seemed to care about his past affiliations with the Pheu Thai Party.
More support poured in after Mr Chadchart made his first official speech following his endorsement by the Election Commission (EC). In his speech, Mr Chadchart said would be "a governor for all" and that his aspiration is to see Thais stop fighting each other so as to allow the country to move forward.
In fact, Mr Chadchart's calm response to the EC endorsement delay, following allegations over his poll campaign, even earned him further respect. Instead of making a fuss, he took the opportunity to meet with several groups to explore their needs.
More importantly, his pledge on transparency and his willingness to listen, a bottom-up style of management, made him a sharp contrast to Pol Gen Aswin, his predecessor and the junta's choice, who was way too complacent with the bureaucratic system as the city's problems accumulated.
Unmistakably, Mr Chadchart's victory has ushered in a new political era with a possibility that all political camps embrace compromise, and avoid confrontation.
If he fares well in the next four years as Bangkok governor, numerous observers believe Mr Chadchart could make a bigger political step in the role of the nation's prime minister.
But now he has to prove himself to city residents if he's worth their support and how far he could go in turning his 214 policies into practice, and if he is really non-partisan or just a Pheu Thai nominee.
Running Bangkok is no easy task. Given the burgeoning problems, there is no honeymoon period for the new governor. He has to work hard to meet the high public expectations while his opponents keep a close watch to see if he missteps. There are also tough issues awaiting his decision, ie, the Green Line shenanigan, traffic, floods and pollution.
Yet, we have to admit that the "Chadchart effect" is being felt, not only by city voters but also electorates in the rest of the country who want to have a chance to cast a ballot for their own governor, not someone sent by the government.
Many would like to see constructive politics, where those in the top positions deliver their promises through work, rather than playing political games as conflicts drag on.
With the national elections taking place in a matter of months, many are looking to vote in a way that tells politicians that their duty is to serve the public. It's a message already delivered by Mr Chadchart with his "Work, Work, Work" model created to overcome the country's crisis.
The Chadchart effect has given the Palang Pracharath Party a costly lesson. If the ruling party wants to bounce back politically, it has to embrace change and abandon old-style tactics that allowed it to make ill-gotten gains over its rivals. Without adapting, the party will have a hard time in the next general election.
