Newly-elected Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt named four deputies and outlined four urgent issues to tackle, including the Green Line electric train dispute, on his first day at work as Bangkok's 17th governor yesterday.
Mr Chadchart took office at City Hall following a ceremony officiated by city clerk Khachit Chatchawanit.
The governor said he wanted two-way communication between himself and City Hall officials.
His 214 initiatives trumpeted during his election campaign, which will set the framework for his time in office, may also be expanded with input from officials.
He also said he would lead inspection tours of the city from time to time and drop by places unannounced.
Mr Chadchart yesterday announced the names of four deputy governors: Wissanu Sapsompol, a former deputy rector of Chulalongkorn University; Chakkapan Phewngam, former deputy city clerk and a former deputy of the previous governor, Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang; Thavida Kamolvech, dean of Thammasat University's Political Science Faculty; and Sanont Wangsangboon, a member of the TRAWELL travel group and co-founder of the Once Again Hostel.
Mr Wissanu will be in charge of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) infrastructure, water drainage and traffic, Mr Chakkapan will handle finances, Ms Thavida will tackle disasters and public health, and Mr Sanont social development and education.
Mr Chadchart also appointed nine advisers: Torsak Chotmongkol, a former director of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand; Kessara Thanyalakpark, managing director of the Sena Development company; Gen Niphat Thonglek, former defence permanent secretary; and Dr Anuttara Jittinan, a public health specialist.
The others are: Pol Gen Adit Ngamjitsuksri, a former senior Tourist Police officer; Wilawan Thammachart, a former city council member representing Chatuchak district; Atthaset Phetmeesri, a water drainage expert; Phanumas Sukamporn, an activist for people with disabilities; and Pornprom Vikitsreth, who will advise on start-up businesses.
Ekwaranyu Umrapal, an anchor and producer of news programmes at Voice TV, will serve as City Hall's spokesman.
Mr Chadchart also listed four issues to be tackled immediately to address urgent problems: floods, road safety, roadside vendors and conflicts surrounding the Green Line electric train system.
On the Green Line dispute, he said he planned to bring the issue up for discussion with the BMA's Traffic and Transport Department next week. The talks will focus on essential details including whether a 50-billion-baht debt stemming from Green Line operations was legitimately transferred to the BMA or if the Bangkok Council had approved the transfer.
