The National Police Chief has ordered strict election security nationwide, focusing on high-competition areas, deploying 126,000 officers to maintain order. No cases of vote buying have been found, only over 500 campaign signs have been destroyed. Legal proceedings are underway. Intelligence is under control with no signs indicating violence.
At 12:00 PM on 5 Feb 2026 at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, spoke about preparations for maintaining order during the election. Intelligence reports show many areas nationwide have intense political competition. He instructed police divisions 1 through 9 to tighten security, facilitate operations, and rigorously enforce laws, especially in provinces flagged for special surveillance. A situation briefing revealed most issues relate to destruction of campaign signs; over 500 signs have been damaged, with official police reports filed as evidence. Nearly 20 cases are under prosecution, with evidence being examined. No information or tips about vote buying have emerged.
The National Police Chief said the Royal Thai Police are coordinating closely with the Election Commission at central and provincial levels to exchange information and support police duties involving maintaining order, security, and law enforcement. For election day duties, over 126,000 officers are prepared to oversee order at polling stations, secure ballot boxes, and assist with traffic management. He emphasized the goal of conducting a smooth, honest, transparent election that justifies the government and officials' expenses, and called on all sectors to uphold democratic rules.
The Police Chief highlighted special attention to the southern border provinces, instructing the Commander of Provincial Police Region 9 and other southern provinces still experiencing unrest, as well as the seven Thai-Cambodian border provinces, to strictly secure polling stations. These areas have unique security contexts and require special monitoring for undesirable incidents.
Regarding the night before election day, known as the 'Howling Dog Night' on 7 Feb, the Police Chief ordered strict enforcement of liquor sale laws. Also, since major political party rallies are scheduled for 6 Feb 2026, he instructed authorities to fully ensure security and manage traffic.
The Police Chief confirmed there is currently no intelligence indicating violence or unrest. The overall situation remains under police control and is being managed according to plan. It is expected many voters will participate on election day, which may impact traffic in several areas. Police have prepared traffic management plans and urged the public to plan travel ahead and vote during designated times to avoid congestion.
Regarding election results that may please some and disappoint others, especially supporters of various political parties, the Police Chief stated that plans and measures are in place. Should any actions violate election or other laws, authorities will enforce the law impartially based on evidence. Many areas remain highly competitive in central, metropolitan, northern, northeastern, and southern regions. Police have informed local units with intelligence and set operational plans aligned with the situation, urging all parties to compete within democratic frameworks and respect the law.
On election day, 8 Feb, the Police Chief, who is a native of Rayong province, will personally visit rural areas to cast his vote and inspect preparations. He stressed that all police officers must remain strictly neutral. Any police found involved in vote buying will face prosecution without exception, as law enforcers cannot violate the law themselves.
The Police Chief said that on 8 Feb, an election operations center will open at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, chaired by Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy National Police Chief, to oversee and monitor the situation throughout election day.