Sawang Boonmee pointed out that if elections are not held simultaneously throughout the kingdom, the election could be declared void.
On 13 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Mr. Sawang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), posted about the issue of postponing the election date to hold elections simultaneously nationwide if necessary or if martial law is declared. He explained the legal reasons and necessity, stating that if elections are held asynchronously across the country, the election would be "void," meaning it would be invalid from the start. This implies multiple losses, including wasted time for those involved, government budget, money and assets of private entities, lost opportunities for political candidates, and lost opportunities for national development.
Regarding ways to hold elections simultaneously nationwide when necessary circumstances prevent elections on the scheduled date, and to ensure elections occur on the same day nationwide, there are two legal approaches: First, hold elections on the "original day" under Article 103 of the Constitution, meaning elections must occur within 60 days after parliament dissolution (without postponing or rescheduling the election date). The principle is "bringing the polling station to the voters," a management method for special situations or areas (though legally limited). Second, hold elections on a "newly set date" under Article 104 in case of "necessary reasons," but elections must be conducted within 30 days after the necessity ends.
Regarding whether a martial law declaration affects elections, Mr. Sawang explained that martial law is declared to maintain public order or national security against internal or external threats. Martial law may be declared nationwide or in specific areas. Whether such a declaration qualifies as a "necessary reason" under Article 104 of the Constitution must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering the content of each declaration and its impact on holding elections. Not all martial law declarations qualify as necessary reasons under Article 104. Only if it is considered a reason under Article 104 will the second approach mentioned above apply.