How to Register for Voting in the Constitutional Referendum Outside Your Home District or Abroad, 3-5 Jan 2026

The Election Commission (EC) opens registration for voting rights outside home districts and abroad from 3 to 5 January 2026. Prepare yourself for the constitutional amendment referendum on 8 February. Check the registration channels here.

The countdown has begun for a crucial referendum. For those far from home or working in other provinces, prepare your mobile devices. The EC has opened a short three-day registration window, from 3 to 5 January 2026, for voting outside your home province or abroad. Thairath Online summarizes the steps and channels to ensure you don't miss your right to help determine the country's future.

Why is it important to register early?

According to the Election Commission's timeline, the referendum to seek public opinion on the new constitution draft is scheduled for Sunday, 8 February 2026.

However, for those unable to vote at their original domicile, it is "necessary" to register in advance to vote at a nearby polling station or through the embassy if abroad. This registration period is brief and limited to 3-5 January 2026.

Who needs to register this round?

• Those living outside their home province: People whose names are registered in one province but who work or study in another.
• Thai nationals abroad: Those residing or working overseas who wish to vote outside the kingdom.

Registration methods

1. Those outside their home province or abroad can apply through three channels.

• In person: At the district or local registrar's office, or at the embassy or its designated representative during official hours.
• By mail: The postmark date on the envelope is crucial.
• Online: Available 24 hours, closing at midnight on 5 January 2026, Thailand time. Register to vote outside your home district here:https://boraservices.bora.dopa.go.th/election/outvote/Register to vote outside the kingdom here:https://boraservices.bora.dopa.go.th/election/popout/*Note: For overseas registration, embassies may accept email registration.

2. For persons with disabilities, the seriously ill, or elderly (register at polling stations designated for them).

• In person: Apply to the provincial election director or authorized representative only in provinces with designated polling stations for disabled voters from 3 to 5 January 2026 during official hours.

Summary of steps to register for referendum voting rights

1. Voting "outside the kingdom" case

Suitable for those residing abroad or who will be overseas on voting day. Applications accepted from 3 to 5 January 2026.

Submission methods:

• Online: most convenient, no additional documents needed but requires ID card and passport information.
• In person or authorized representative: submit to the ambassador or designated official in your residence area.
• Other methods: mail, email, or fax.

Required documents:

• Registration form A.S.5/3 (overseas voters).
• ID card or passport.
• Current overseas address for mailing documents.

2. Voting "outside home district" case

For those registered in a province less than 90 days or living outside their registered province, applications accepted 3 to 5 January 2026.

Submission methods:

• Online: requires ID card and house registration number.
• In person or authorized representative: submit to district or local registrar.
• By mail: postmark date is important.

Voting day is 8 February 2026 from 08:00 to 17:00.

Required documents:

• Registration form A.S.5/1.
• ID card or other government-issued identification.

Precautions and additional advice

• Check dates carefully. Registration for both cases is limited, especially for outside home district voting which lasts only 3 days (3-5 January 2026).
• You can track information and check voting rights via the EC's SMART VOTE app.
• For more information, call the EC hotline at 1444 or visit the website.www.ect.go.th 

The referendum voting will take place alongside the general election on 8 February 2026. There is no "advance voting" for the referendum. Only "referendum voting outside your home district on 8 February 2026" is available. If you are far from home and want to vote in both the general election and referendum, there is no alternative but to register twice. Register to vote early outside your home district on 1 February 2026 and separately for the referendum outside your home district on 8 February 2026.

Overseas referendum voting will be conducted at the same time, place, and by the same method as the overseas general election * which will not be on 8 February 2026.* Most overseas voting is scheduled for late January 2026. If you register for both election and referendum in person, you will vote for MPs and the referendum at the embassy on the designated date. If voting by mail, you will receive three ballots: two for elections and one for the referendum. Upon receipt, you must promptly return all ballots to the embassy or consulate by the specified deadline to ensure timely vote counting.

Source:iLawand the Election Commission