Senator Nantana visited the Election Commission to discuss public complaints regarding requests to exercise early voting rights in the referendum, citing that having to identify themselves twice wastes time. During the visit, a member of the public shouted, "Why change it? The old system was fine."
On 21 January 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at the Election Commission's office, Senator Nantana Nantawaropas came to meet with the commission. She said she wanted to discuss election and referendum arrangements because the Senate's Political Development Committee had received numerous complaints from citizens. They questioned why it was not possible to register for early voting in the referendum as with early election voting. This situation could cause those unable to vote on 8 February to lose their right to participate in the referendum on that date. Many people are affected by this issue, so she came to talk with the Election Commission about possible solutions within the remaining 18 days to help those wishing to vote in the referendum but unable to do so on 8 February.
Senator Nantana added that another issue concerns the organization of polling and referendum voting stations on 8 February. The Election Commission requires voters to identify themselves twice. There have been complaints that having to queue again to request referendum voting after already voting wastes time. Reflecting on the 2023 election, when turnout was 75.8%, long lines formed just to receive ballots. This time, voters would have to queue again to receive referendum ballots, causing unnecessary delays. She suggested combining the procedures into one process where voters register, identify themselves, receive three ballots, and then enter the booth to vote. The referendum ballot is distinct, having options to approve or disapprove, unlike election ballots. She urged the Election Commission to adjust this process because the staff involved belong to the commission. If the current method remains, she believes there will be a significant difference between the numbers voting in the election and in the referendum. If the discrepancy reaches millions, she questioned whether the Election Commission would take responsibility. Lower referendum turnout compared to elections could impact constitutional amendments. She came to urge the commission to find solutions since only 18 days remain.
Regarding the Election Commission's insistence that the polling station format will not change because the referendum and election are governed by different laws and have been carefully planned, Senator Nantana said she understands the separate legal frameworks. However, holding the referendum voting on the same day as the election aims to save budget and time, allowing citizens to vote in both at once. Therefore, the methods for conducting the referendum and election need to be adapted. The Election Commission can do this because the personnel involved belong to the commission itself.
A reporter noted that while Senator Nantana was speaking to the media outside the Election Commission office, a member of the public who was at the government complex for other business shouted at her, "Why change it? The old system was fine," before walking away.