Pita listens to Thais abroad and encourages them to register for elections and vote in the overseas referendum, proposing to extend the registration deadline to 8 January, noting the law allows it.
On 5 January 2026, Mr. Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party, spoke during an online discussion event titled “Global Town Hall: Thais Far from Home” to invite and inform Thais living overseas about registering for elections and voting in the overseas referendum. The event was held last night (4 Jan Thailand time). Mr. Pita proposed that the Election Commission (EC) consider extending the overseas election and referendum registration deadline to 8 January 2026 to facilitate citizens, especially those abroad who face challenges related to time zones, travel, and access to information.
Mr. Pita stated that this proposal is legally feasible and does not affect the election process according to the EC regulations on the 2023 House of Representatives election, Article 188, and the EC regulations on overseas referendum voting, which set the referendum day to coincide with the 2025 general election, Article 23. These regulations clearly state that registration must be completed at least 30 days before the voting day. The regulations also allow the EC to extend the registration period as long as it remains within the "at least 30 days" framework. In the case of overseas referendum voting, the deadline can be extended to 8 January 2026, similar to overseas election registration.
Mr. Pita said that extending the registration period is not about political advantage or disadvantage, but about protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
“Increasing flexibility in the system means protecting the people's voices. Citizens should not lose their rights due to administrative issues that are neither their fault nor their choice. The EC must give greater weight to citizens' rights,” he said.
Mr. Pita emphasized that if the EC prioritizes protecting citizens' rights, extending the overseas election and referendum registration deadline to 8 January 2026 will send a positive signal that Thailand is ready to conduct an open, fair election that leaves no one behind.