The Chairman of the Election Commission (EC) inspected the readiness for the elections and referendum in the eastern region. He acknowledged that many areas have high competition and that complaints about legal violations have been received. He ordered provincial EC officials to keep watch and noted that no vote-buying has been found yet. He also warned the public not to create content that risks breaking the law.
On 27 January 2026 at 10:00 AM in Rayong Province, Mr. Narong Kanwarin, Chairman of the EC, along with election inspectors, visited the training session for polling station officials (PSOs) and referendum polling officials (RPOs) to prepare for the upcoming general election and referendum. The training took place at Nakhon Rayong Witthayakhom School (Wat Khod Tai) in Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province. A simulated election and referendum were conducted so PSOs and RPOs could fully understand the correct procedures, from receiving equipment to counting votes for both the general election and referendum. This was to prepare them for their duties on 8 February 2026. A total of 80 polling station officials from municipal areas participated. Rayong Province has five constituencies with 197 polling stations.
Mr. Narong stated that in past local elections, there was an issue where monks appeared to vote, as their names were on the voter lists, and PSOs allowed them to vote, which caused problems later. He believes the PSOs at that time lacked experience and therefore permitted monks to vote. He hopes this serves as a cautionary lesson and urges it not to happen again, as it could lead to complaints and undermine the fairness and integrity of the elections. The EC places great importance on all PSOs since only 12 days remain until election and referendum day. He and his team inspected preparations and felt encouraged that nearly 100% readiness has been achieved overall.
Following this, Mr. Narong delivered policy guidance to election inspectors and the rapid response team of Rayong Province at the EC provincial office in Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province.
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Mr. Narong Kanwarin, Chairman of the EC, said in an interview after delivering policy guidance to election inspectors and the rapid response team of Rayong Province that the overall field inspection of election and referendum preparations in the eastern region, including his visit on 26 January to Trat and Chanthaburi provinces near the Thai-Cambodian border, showed that provincial election directors confirmed readiness to conduct elections and referendums. The situation along the border remains normal, allowing elections to proceed simultaneously on 8 February. Contingency plans have been prepared in case of emergencies along the border, with prior regulations and protocols established on how to conduct elections should such incidents occur.
When asked if any areas require special monitoring, especially in the eastern region, Mr. Narong said the EC monitors all areas. In places with high competition, special instructions have been given to increase surveillance using networks of election inspectors and rapid response police units to gather intelligence, particularly in highly contested zones, to ensure the elections are conducted honestly, fairly, and legally. All possible measures are being taken to ensure the best election outcome. Currently, no specific areas have been reported as requiring special attention.
When asked whether any provinces have "red zones" (high-risk areas), Mr. Narong said there are no such red zones yet, but some areas have high competition. Such areas have been identified in several provinces beyond just the eastern region.
Warning to the Public Against Creating Content That Risks Legal Violation
The EC Chairman acknowledged that there have been reports of election law violations or preparations for vote-buying. Provincial EC offices have taken steps accordingly. For example, in Chanthaburi Province, a video clip was found circulating showing banknotes attached to campaign leaflets. Upon investigation, the EC found the video was made by an ordinary citizen. The EC summoned the clip’s creator for questioning. When it became clear the EC was serious, the individual admitted the clip was made as a prank or social media content. The EC issued a warning, as the public may not fully understand election laws.
"The individual appeared scared and acknowledged it was a violation. No one else has done this. Regarding reports of widespread vote-buying, the EC has instructed provincial offices to summon sources of such information to verify origins. The EC will take action accordingly, but usually when summoned, they admit they heard rumors secondhand and there is no factual basis for the claims," Mr. Narong explained.
Regarding a video accusing vote canvassers for the Bhumjaithai Party in Phichit Province, which was found to be a false and malicious claim, Mr. Narong said there are lessons learned about such slander, which is illegal. The EC has tried to warn and publicize not to engage in such actions or allow these incidents to occur, as the individuals targeted suffer harm, and those making false accusations also cause damage.