Sukhumvit Soi 4 became tense as a woman expressed dissatisfaction after her car was wheel-locked for parking in a prohibited area while she was walking to vote in the Bangkok governor election. Traffic police from Lumpini Police Station clarified the situation, emphasizing understanding. It is unclear where voters at this polling station are supposed to park.
At 10:20 a.m. on 28 June 2026 at Sukhumvit Soi 4, opposite Benjakitti Park in Khlong Toei district, Bangkok, near polling station 7 where Anucha Burapachaisri, candidate for Bangkok governor, had recently voted, reporters witnessed a citizen arguing and criticizing traffic police operations and inquired about the incident's background.
A woman named Ms. Bo, one of the voters today, told reporters she arrived by car and found parking was not allowed on the Benjakitti Park side. Additionally, Sukhumvit Soi 4 is narrow, and parking there would block other vehicles. She decided to park briefly nearby to walk to the nearby polling booth, expecting to be away only a short time. Upon returning, she found her car wheel-locked and a parking ticket issued by traffic police.
Traffic officer Police Lieutenant Chokchai Malasri, traffic unit commander at Lumpini Police Station, explained he received a complaint that a vehicle parked on Sukhumvit Soi 4 was blocking traffic. Since a complaint indicated someone was affected, he came to handle the situation as part of his duty.
When asked where voters should park, Police Lt. Chokchai said he did not know the details of designated parking but stressed that drivers must use common sense and avoid parking in ways that inconvenience others.
Ms. Bo said that normally she votes at this booth every election because she lives in the soi. She usually rides a motorcycle to vote, but today drove a car due to other errands. Usually, the polling station is clearly marked near the soi entrance, but this year the sign was very small, making it hard to find even for a local. She only knew the station was near the Nana Tai Suites hotel but did not see the polling booth itself, which was located deeper behind the hotel. She was especially upset because no other cars appeared to have been wheel-locked—only hers.
Police Lt. Chokchai then addressed Ms. Bo, saying: “Please calm down first. Take the ticket, and I’m about to unlock your wheel. You have to wait a moment; you seem very upset right now.” This further upset Ms. Bo, leading to a heated argument.
The matter ended with Ms. Bo asking the officers where voters were supposed to park at this polling station today. Police Lt. Chokchai replied he did not know, as he was only informed about the polling station location but not whether parking was arranged. He reiterated that parking must consider other road users.