Key Information
- Name: Chadchart Sittipunt
- Nickname: Trip
- Born: Bangkok, Thailand
- Birth date: May 24, 1966
- Known for: Governor of Bangkok
- Facebook: chadchartofficial
- Website: chadchartofficial.com
Chadchart Sittipunt, nicknamed ‘Trip,’ was born on 24 May 1966 in Bangkok. Renowned for his “walk the talk” ethos, he became Governor of Bangkok in 2022 and has since resolved over 700,000 of the 860,000 complaints submitted through the city’s digital platform, Traffy Fondue. An engineer, professor, father, and leader, Chadchart is affectionately dubbed by netizens as “the strongest man on Earth.”
Engineer, Professor, and Lifelong Learner
Chadchart once likened education to connecting the dots: “Life is like connecting the dots. The more dots you have—more knowledge, more experience—the better you can connect them to shape your future.”
He graduated with first-class honours from Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering before earning a master’s degree from MIT and a doctorate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), both in structural engineering.
After a stint with the Chicago-based architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, he returned to Thailand, teaching engineering at Chulalongkorn and serving as an academic adviser to the Ministry of Transport under the Thaksin and Samak administrations.
The ‘Strongest Man on Earth’ Goes Viral
In 2012, Chadchart was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport under Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, and later that year became Transport Minister with the Pheu Thai Party. Despite holding a cabinet position, he remained relatively unknown—often called “the most forgotten minister.”
The viral photo of Chadchart
That changed dramatically when a candid photo of him barefoot, in running gear, carrying takeaway food on his way to make merit went viral. His powerful physique and down-to-earth image resonated with the public, earning him the nickname “the strongest man on Earth.” Chadchart later credited the photo with helping him connect with younger generations and underscored the importance of effective public communication.
Chadchart and his son, Sandee
Father First, Politician Second
Chadchart’s dedication to fitness is deeply rooted in family. When his son Sandee was one year old, he was diagnosed with profound hearing loss. After years of global consultations, Sandee regained partial hearing. Motivated by the desire to remain healthy and present for his son, Chadchart began running 10 kilometres a day.
His experience inspired him to champion the welfare of children with disabilities—one of the driving forces behind his political career. However, his role as a minister was abruptly ended by the 2014 coup led by Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, after which he shifted to the private sector as CEO of Q House.
Chadchart and his pedestrian-friendly banner
A New Era for Bangkok
In 2022, after an eight-year hiatus in city elections, Chadchart ran as an independent in Bangkok’s gubernatorial race. With a clear vision for a more liveable city, he focused on practical, often overlooked issues such as public transport accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure.
His campaign embraced digital media, amassing nearly a million followers. He promoted sustainability by using EVs and recyclable banners. His authenticity resonated with voters, resulting in a landslide victory with over 1.38 million votes—the highest ever recorded in a Bangkok election.
Leading with Empathy and Action
Chadchart leads by example. He’s frequently seen running through Bangkok’s streets, personally inspecting issues and listening to residents. His three-word slogan—“work, work, work”—became an instant internet catchphrase, encapsulating his hands-on approach.
To counter bureaucratic inefficiency, he integrated the Traffy Fondue app into city operations, enabling residents to file complaints directly. The platform slashed resolution times from months to days. In a speech with The People, he remarked, “Understanding what people truly need leads to real solutions and earns their trust.”
Chadchart wearing a t-shirt with the 'work, work, work, slogan
Chadchart's response to the recent earthquake in Bangkok demonstrated this leadership style. He rapidly mobilised a rescue team and opened shelters, reassuring the public during a time of crisis.
“860,000 complaints do not signify weakness in the city,” he noted. “They’re proof that people trust in our ability to find solutions—trust that we empathise with them.”
From engineer to governor, Chadchart Sittipunt has consistently connected the dots—transforming personal challenges, professional knowledge, and public service into a leadership style defined not just by strength, but by understanding.