The Army spokesperson clarified that there has been no request to use military areas as polling stations. He urged against making references or suggestions that mislead people about the military, stressing the Army's firm position on maintaining political neutrality.
On 3 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Major General Winthai Suwaree, the Army spokesperson, addressed claims that prior to the advance voting period, several military units held meetings to encourage personnel not to vote for political parties that disparage the military. He said that if such talks providing considerations for decision-making did occur, they could be seen as part of the natural diversity of information during an election period, not as a policy or binding order. Whether listeners are influenced is a matter of personal discretion and cannot be compelled.
Requests for votes or support for individuals or political parties are commonly observed during election periods, whether through direct or indirect actions by local campaign groups. This is a normal aspect of political competition in a democracy. The key issue is whether any actions violate the law; if illegal, involved parties must face appropriate legal scrutiny and proceedings.
However, it must be acknowledged that over recent years, many people—not just military personnel—believe there have been instances of disparagement against the military, such as the phrase “Why keep soldiers?” which has circulated continuously as a social trend. This rhetoric tends to be hostile rather than constructive criticism aimed at organizational improvement.
It is also observed that in several past incidents involving individuals, public communication has generalized the issues to harm the organization's image. In some cases, information about the military has been presented mixing some facts with inaccuracies, then disseminated through various media, causing misunderstandings about the organization. Such occurrences have been frequent, especially in the past three to four years, with more diverse perspectives only emerging more recently.
Regarding claims that only election commission officials, commanders, and personnel are allowed inside military camps during voting, excluding outside observers, and reports of people peeking into voting booths, the spokesperson said that currently no requests have been made to use military units as polling stations. Such claims are exaggerated. Normally, all polling stations, regardless of location, must comply with the same legal standards under the supervision of the Election Commission, and the public must be allowed to observe.
The Army spokesperson reiterated that social figures should present information based on facts and avoid communication that could mislead society and harm the organization's reputation and trust, as has happened in many past cases. He affirmed the Army's unwavering stance on maintaining political neutrality.