The Secretary-General of the Election Commission clearly announced that the election date of February 8, 2026, will not be postponed despite ongoing border clashes. He affirmed polling stations will open as planned because special contingency plans are already in place. Additionally, there will be strict scrutiny of political parties' campaign policies.
At 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 2025, at the Miracle Grand Hotel in Bangkok, Mr. Sa-wang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), spoke about the clarity regarding the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict should it occur during nationwide voting. He said the border situation affects the livelihood of displaced people, voters, and election workers but may not impact the election itself because management measures exist. The goal is to hold elections on the scheduled date, relying on cooperation from voters to resolve issues. The Commission is already facilitating this, so it should not be difficult. He emphasized that if it is only border clashes, contingency plans are in place; however, if martial law is declared, the content and implications of such a declaration must be considered.
When asked if the election could still be postponed if fighting broke out on election day, Mr. Sa-wang responded that if the election is officially announced for February 8, 2026, it means it can be conducted regardless of any incidents that day. The situation will not affect the election because it is managed under special and designated area protocols. Therefore, whatever happens that day will not interfere. However, operations must comply with legal authority and cannot go beyond what the law permits. Regarding whether polling stations can be set up in evacuation centers, he could not answer yet and must assess the situation first. Nonetheless, there are solutions, including bringing officials to voters or bringing voters to the polling stations.
When asked about the enforcement date of the new EC announcement on policy competition, Mr. Sa-wang said it is effective as published in the Government Gazette today. This announcement responds to public and societal demands for the EC to increase oversight of political party policies beyond previous measures. The Commission will invite experts from relevant agencies to assist in reviewing these policies. As to whether the EC can publish the results of each party’s policy review, he could not yet say. Nonetheless, the working approach will prioritize the national interest.
"This announcement admittedly goes beyond the EC’s legal mandate, but it benefits the nation and aligns with societal expectations. Regarding whether political parties can submit policies for EC review 20 days before the election, that depends on each party’s readiness," he said. Mr. Sa-wang concluded.