The atmosphere during the overseas referendum vote counting in Sydney, Australia, Canada, and New York was orderly, with media and the Thai community actively participating as observers.
Mr. Jumphot Chawang, Deputy Consul-General acting as Consul-General in Vancouver, opened the counting of referendum ballots from eligible voters in western Canadian provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta. These included ballots sent by mail and those cast in person on 24-25 January, totaling 1,165 ballots.
The ballot counting began at 10:00 a.m. local time in Vancouver, which is 15 hours behind Thailand. Over 20 local officials, government staff, and residents volunteered as witnesses and observers.
The results showed 996 votes in favor, 142 against, 22 abstentions, and 5 invalid ballots.
Mr. Jumphot Chawang thanked the voters, the observers witnessing the referendum vote counting, as well as local government officials and staff involved in the process.
Meanwhile, the overseas referendum vote counting in Sydney took place at the Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney in the Thai Town district, chaired by Mr. Narachai Ninath, Consul-General in Sydney, who strictly oversaw the process alongside consulate staff and legally appointed committee members.
The atmosphere was orderly, with Thai media and community members arriving since the morning to observe. Ballot counting started at 10:00 a.m. and concluded at 2:40 p.m. local time, reflecting strong interest in the referendum process that allows overseas Thais to participate politically despite being far from home.
The Consul-General emphasized transparency and cooperation from all parties to ensure the vote accurately reflects the people's will, clearly explaining voting, document verification, and counting procedures to attendees.
Observers from the Thai community said participating in monitoring the overseas referendum process reflects their bond to their homeland and reassures them about the orderly conduct of the event.
The referendum in Sydney is part of a global process, with the Consulate-General in Sydney responsible for New South Wales and South Australia, which have many Thai residents. A total of 9,209 ballots were issued, though results for approval and disapproval have not yet been released.
At the Consulate-General in Manhattan, New York, despite freezing temperatures of -25 degrees Celsius, the overseas referendum vote counting was held with Thai residents from New York and consular districts (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont) invited to observe. Media and students filled the observation area in front of the counting station.
There were 2,510 registered voters for the referendum, while the consulate received 2,271 ballot envelopes, representing 90.48% of those registered.
The results of the overseas referendum vote counting at the Consulate-General in New York were as follows:
Approval: 1,954 ballots
Disapproval: 262 ballots
Abstentions: 52 ballots
Total counted ballots: 2,268
Invalid ballots: 3
Overall total ballots: 2,271
Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul-General in New York, thanked all Thai voters who participated in the overseas referendum vote, the committee and staff at the counting station for their successful, orderly, and transparent work, and all observers who attended despite the harsh cold weather.
News reported by
Natthaphan Trimek, Thairath correspondent based in Australia
Praewpim Kiewboriboon, Thairath correspondent based in Canada
Pairoj Pakasin, correspondent based in New York
Image sources: Consulate-General in Sydney and Canada, from Mr. Samrit Piyawatsophon