The Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed plans for Thai embassy staff in Paris to personally send election and referendum ballots back to Thailand instead of using cargo shipping to shorten delivery time. He assured that all ballots will arrive in Thailand on time following an error at the French postal service.
On 24 January 2026, it was reported that some Thai citizens in France who registered to vote and participate in the referendum abroad via postal service had not yet received their election or referendum ballots.
Recently, Mr. Panidol Patchimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Information Department and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that coordination with the Consular Department and the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris confirmed the embassy had mailed documents on 19 January 2026, the first day of the overseas election announcement, using the fastest possible delivery. The delay experienced by some Thai voters was due to a central system error at the French postal office, causing some documents not to be dispatched. The French postal office has since corrected the error and expedited the mailing process. Thai citizens in France are now gradually receiving their documents, with the remainder expected soon.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognizes the importance of the voting rights of Thai nationals abroad. The embassy has extended the document submission deadline from 30 January 2026 to 2 February 2026. Upon receipt, voters are urged to complete and return their ballots immediately. The embassy has prepaid for the fastest postage (Enveloppe T Premium). Thai citizens residing in Paris or nearby areas may also personally return election or referendum ballots to the embassy during or outside office hours, including weekends.
Additionally, the Consular Department will support embassy staff to personally carry the ballots back to Thailand instead of shipping them by cargo, in order to shorten delivery time and ensure all ballots arrive in Thailand promptly.