Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday dismissed the results of the Bangkok governor and councillor polls, saying they don't reflect his current political popularity.
Speaking to reporters in the wake of defeat, Gen Prayut said the sweeping victory of independent candidate Chadchart Sittipunt and wins for opposition parties in the council elections were not an accurate representation of voters' faith in his administration.
Mr Chadchart cruised past other candidates, including former Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang and his deputy, Sakoltee Phattiyakul, on Sunday. The Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties won a combined 34 of 50 Bangkok councillor seats, while the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) managed to get only two.
The PPRP, which ushered Gen Prayut into the top job, won more Bangkok seats in the general election in 2019, gaining 12 out of 30 slots.
"It is only an election in one province," he said. "The results showed the desire of voters in Bangkok. That is not related to the government."
