The Pheu Thai Party's referendum campaign committee invites citizens to register for out-of-district and overseas referendum voting from 3 to 5 January 2026. They recommend the Election Commission extend the registration deadline and propose a continuous polling booth setup to prevent voter confusion and ensure smooth voting.
On 3 January 2026, the Pheu Thai Party’s Referendum and Constitution Communication Campaign Committee held a press conference inviting eligible voters registered in provinces who cannot return to their hometowns on referendum day, as well as overseas voters and vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and the elderly, to urgently register for "out-of-district referendum voting" between 3 and 5 January 2026 so they can vote in their current place of residence.
The committee pointed out that many people may confuse “advance voting” with “referendum voting.” Registration for advance voting outside one’s district is open from 20 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, with advance voting on 1 February 2026. However, referendum voting cannot be done in advance and is only scheduled for one day: 8 February 2026. Thus, those who do not register for out-of-district referendum voting must return to their home voting station on referendum day. The committee therefore proposed to the public and the Election Commission the following:
1. Encourage citizens to register for "out-of-district referendum voting" before the deadline, and propose the Election Commission extend the registration period beyond three days.
The committee emphasized that the three-day registration period for out-of-district voting is very short. They urged citizens who work, study, or reside away from their hometown to promptly verify their eligibility and register before the deadline to avoid missing the opportunity to participate.
The committee noted that the three-day registration period coincides with the New Year holiday, which may prevent many citizens from registering in time. Therefore, they proposed that the Election Commission extend the registration period.
2. Warn that the Election Commission must urgently communicate clearly that failure to vote in the referendum could result in various political rights restrictions.
The committee stated that the Election Commission should seriously explain and raise public awareness nationwide, especially emphasizing that if eligible voters participate in elections or related processes but fail to vote in the referendum on 8 February 2026 without a valid reason, they may face political rights restrictions under the law, causing many to lose their rights unknowingly.
In their press release, the committee explained that such risks affect the rights to run for election and hold political office at multiple levels, including legislative and local positions, with restrictions imposed for legally specified periods. They stressed that the Election Commission must communicate proactively and consistently so citizens can make informed decisions and prepare properly, avoiding misunderstandings that could cause disenfranchisement.
3. Request the Election Commission organize continuous polling booths from the parliamentary elections to the referendum to prevent voter confusion and premature departure.
The committee expressed concern that if polling stations and referendum booths are separated or have complex procedures on voting day, some voters may leave after casting their parliamentary election ballots, unaware they must proceed to another location to vote in the referendum. This could significantly reduce referendum turnout despite its national importance.
Recently, the Election Commission clarified that voting for parliamentary elections and the referendum on the same day will be conducted continuously at the same polling station. Voters will identify themselves and sign to receive two parliamentary ballots, cast their votes, then proceed to the next designated area within the same station to identify themselves again, receive the referendum ballot, cast their referendum vote, and exit through the designated exit.
The committee therefore proposed that the Election Commission instruct district offices and polling station committees to facilitate voters and arrange a continuous pathway from parliamentary voting to referendum voting, preventing voters from leaving before casting their referendum ballot.
The committee added that they will discuss and provide further recommendations to the Election Commission after the New Year period. They emphasized that the Election Commission, as the organizing body, should sincerely promote public participation by ensuring access to accurate information and maximizing convenience for voters.
Finally, the committee reiterated a fundamental principle of referendum voting: “Referendum voting is the direct exercise of sovereignty by the people who hold power; therefore, it must ensure maximum public participation.”