The atmosphere during the overseas referendum vote counting in Sydney, Australia, Canada, and New York was orderly, with media and Thai community members actively observing.
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, including ballots received by mail and those cast in person on 24-25 January, totaling 1,165 ballots.
The vote counting began at 10:00 local time in Vancouver, which is 15 hours behind Thailand, with over 20 government officials, local staff, and community members serving as witnesses and observers.
The referendum vote count showed 996 votes in favor, 142 against, 22 no opinion, and 5 spoiled ballots.
Mr. Jumphot Chawang thanked the voters who participated, those who served as witnesses and observers during the counting, as well as government officials and local staff involved.
Meanwhile, the overseas referendum vote counting in Sydney took place at the Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney in Thai Town, overseen by Mr. Naru Chai Ninnat, Consul General in Sydney, who chaired the process with consulate staff and legal committee members strictly following procedures.
The atmosphere was orderly, with Thai media and community members in Sydney gradually joining the observation from early morning. Counting started at 10:00 and concluded at 14:40 local time, reflecting strong interest in this political participation opportunity for Thais abroad despite the distance from their homeland.
The Consul General emphasized transparency and cooperation from all parties to ensure the results truly reflect the people's will, clearly explaining voting procedures, document verification, and counting to attendees.
Observers from the Thai community said participating in the overseas referendum process reflects their connection to their homeland and builds confidence in the orderly conduct of this event.
The Sydney referendum is part of a global process, with the Consulate General in Sydney responsible for New South Wales and South Australia, regions with many Thai residents. There were a total of 9,209 ballots, but the results have not yet been disclosed.
At the Consulate General in Manhattan, New York, despite the severe cold of -25 degrees Celsius, the overseas referendum vote counting opened with Thai residents from New York City and the consular district (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont) invited to observe. Media and students also filled the observation area at the consulate.
There were 2,510 registered voters, while the consulate received 2,271 ballot envelopes, representing 90.48 percent of registered voters.
The overseas referendum vote count at the New York Consulate General was as follows:
In favor: 1,954 ballots
Against: 262 ballots
No comment: 52 ballots
Total: 2,268 ballots
Spoiled ballots: 3
Total ballots: 2,271
Ms. Somjai Taphaopong, Consul General in New York, thanked all Thai voters for participating in the overseas referendum, the committee and staff at the counting station for their successful, transparent, and orderly work, and observers who braved the cold weather to attend.
News report by
Natthaphan Trimek, Thairath reporter based in Australia
Praewpim Kiewboriboon, Thairath reporter based in Canada
Phairoj Pakasin, reporter based in New York State
Photo sources: Consulate General in Sydney and Canada photos by Mr. Samrit Piyawatsophon