The Director of the Nakhon Ratchasima Election Commission is strictly managing the final phase of the 2026 election, vigilantly monitoring the 'Howling Dog Night' period. She has ordered 16 rapid response teams to closely follow the areas, gather intelligence, and set up checkpoints to intercept 'gray money' used to buy votes. She acknowledged that covert information gathering is ongoing but no evidence linking offenses for prosecution has been found.
On 3 February 2026, at the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Election Commission Office, Ms. Piyanat Klangpanom, Director of the office, along with election inspectors and Police Colonel Chusit Losaeng, Deputy Commander of Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Police, and related personnel convened to clarify strategies to prevent and investigate election violations for Members of Parliament and the referendum. This followed a central bank report of withdrawals of several hundred million baht in banknotes, raising concern that such funds might be used for vote-buying in 16 constituencies in Nakhon Ratchasima. Emphasis was placed on the final five days before voting, urging rapid response teams to monitor the areas and social media closely and consider setting up checkpoints on main routes as appropriate.
Ms. Piyanat, Director of the Nakhon Ratchasima Election Commission, revealed that in the final stretch before 8 February—the day of voting for MPs and the referendum—Police Colonel Chusit leads 16 rapid response and intelligence teams deployed across all 32 districts to deter and investigate election law violations. Election inspectors are also monitoring the situation. Coordination with police and local administration is in place to analyze intelligence and identify high-risk, competitive areas for close surveillance. Reports have come in via hotlines listing names allegedly involved in vote-buying. The rapid response teams have been sent to investigate and seek covert information but have yet to find evidence sufficient for prosecution. Currently, a case is underway involving allegations of defamation and hiring people to attend a major political rally.
Vote-buying is considered a serious threat to democratic development. All election participants must respect and comply with the law, avoiding exploitation or violations. Government officials and state personnel must remain neutral and not use their positions to benefit or harm candidates. The people of Nakhon Ratchasima are urged to help by being vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
Reports can be submitted through multiple channels: 1. The Pineapple Eye application, which allows sending text, images, audio, or video clips via the Election Commission website at www.ect.go.th or by downloading from the App Store: apps.apple.com/th/ and Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps.
2. The Election Commission’s election fraud reporting center via hotline 1444, and 3. The Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Election Commission Office. If reports lead to legal action on election offenses, there is a one-million-baht reward for informants.