Polling stations have opened nationwide for the SAO elections. Citizens are gradually entering booths to vote for SAO mayors and council members. Voters are reminded that the green ballot is for council members, while the pink ballot is for mayors. Voting is permitted until 5 p.m. local time.
At 8:00 a.m. on 11 January 2026, reporters noted the opening of ballot boxes for the election of members of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization Council and SAO mayors across the country at 4,985 locations. This election involves choosing 4,500 SAO mayors and 52,544 council members.
Among 9,138 mayoral candidates, 17 were disqualified. For the 97,735 council member candidates, 261 did not meet qualifications. There are 26 million eligible voters from 9 million households, thus the public is encouraged to vote between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at their designated polling stations. The green ballot is for council members, and the pink ballot is for mayors.
After the polls opened at 8:00 a.m., people in various areas have gradually come out to exercise their voting rights. Voting booths remain open until 5:00 p.m. Once polls close, counting begins immediately before results are compiled centrally for unofficial reporting. Official results await certification by the Election Commission.
In cases where voting for SAO council members and mayors has been extended in 15 locations in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, the election originally scheduled for 11 January has been postponed to Sunday, 18 January 2026. These subdistricts—Krachaeng, Bueng Malu, Sangmek, Phu Ngoen, Thung Yai, Chan Yai, Khanun, Saothong Chai, Trakaj, Lalai, Non Samran, Mueang, Rung, Cham, and Phu Pha Mok—were previously affected by fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border. Some residents are still relocating from evacuation centers back to their homes, and certain processes remain incomplete. Therefore, the elections are postponed to allow preparations, resuming one week later.