The Chair of the Election Commission is confident that embassies have resolved the issue of delivering ballots to overseas eligible voters and believes all ballots will be returned to Thailand on time. He revealed that some ballots have already arrived in Thailand and are currently being sorted.
At 11:30 a.m. on 27 January 2026 at the Office of the Provincial Election Commission in Rayong Province, Mr. Narong Khanvarin, Chair of the Election Commission, spoke about problems in sending ballots and referendum voting papers by mail to registered overseas voters. He said that such issues can occur. Overseas voting must accept that some complications might arise, but he has received reports that the problems have been resolved. He also publicized that many people have voted overseas and ballots have been gradually returning since 25 January, with more expected to follow.
Regarding the delay in ballot distribution in France, which caused concerns among registered voters about whether ballots returned via the embassy would reach Thailand on time, Mr. Narong said he was informed that the embassy has extended the distribution period. When asked if the extension included weekends when staff are not working, the Election Commission Chair expressed confidence that ultimately all ballots will be returned on time. He noted that the embassy must handle the election management issues, but he believes this will not be a major problem, as the embassy has been actively involved in organizing overseas voting. Currently, some ballots have been returned but in a limited number and are in the process of being sorted.