Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt campaigns for votes in Bangkok Noi district on May 29. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
An alleged "Agong system" or "Agong regime" within the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has recently emerged as a major political controversy ahead of Bangkok's next gubernatorial election.The allegations, raised primarily by figures from the Economic Party, centre on claims of a hidden network of influence operating behind the scenes at City Hall during the administration of former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
Mr Chadchart and officials linked to his administration have strongly denied the accusations, challenged critics to produce evidence while defending the transparency of BMA procedures.
Origin of the term "Agong"
"Agong" (pronounced ah-kong) is a Chinese word meaning "grandfather" and is commonly used in Thai-Chinese families to refer to an elderly male relative.
