Parit led the Prachachon Party team in a march campaigning for referendum approval, affirming he had previously offered solutions to the Election Commission (EC) but was ignored. He expressed shock after the EC Secretary said if unsure, don’t vote, and urged people to be aware now following the phrase “Don’t come whining.”
At 16:00 on 4 Feb 2026, Mr. Parit Watcharasindhu, spokesperson for the Prachachon Party, led party executives including Mr. Munin Pongsapan, former Dean of the Faculty of Law at Thammasat University; Mrs. Piangphano Boonklaem, former Deputy Managing Director of PTT Public Company Limited, Legal Division; and Ms. Nattaya Boonpakdee, the party’s 6th list MP candidate, to campaign for referendum approval alongside iLaw and citizen networks. They marched on foot from Democracy Monument to Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, covering a distance of 4 kilometers.
Mr. Parit said this final phase of the referendum campaign is historic, as it coincides with electing MPs. Having campaigned on both fronts, he observed increasing public awareness of the referendum. The party aims to communicate that the current political system does not meet citizens’ needs, and thus a new constitution is necessary as one way to design better politics.
When asked if the public is aware they must confirm their identity twice for the referendum, Mr. Parit said he urges those who did not vote early on 8 February to remember that at the polling station, they will receive three ballots: first, two ballots to elect MPs and parties; second, a yellow ballot for the referendum. Those voting early should also remember to vote in the referendum on 8 February. He understands some registered late and encourages them to return to their home districts to preserve their voting rights.
Asked about the Central Administrative Court’s ruling dismissing a petition by academics who requested review after the EC allowed out-of-district referendum registration for only three days, Mr. Parit said that before the dissolution of parliament, as a member of the Political Development Committee, he tried to propose measures to the EC to facilitate citizens’ referendum registration, including postal early voting on 1 February. The committee offered these proposals to the EC to maximize citizens’ rights legally, but unfortunately, the EC did not respond, resulting in complications.
Shock after EC Secretary said if unsure, don’t vote.
Mr. Parit also commented on the EC’s role in campaigning for the referendum, noting many problems in the EC’s duties. The EC’s main role is to protect and facilitate citizens’ voting and referendum rights. However, there were issues with last-minute registrations and early voting problems. He was shocked when this morning, Mr. Sa-wang Boonmee, EC Secretary, said, “If citizens are not confident in the commissioners, then don’t vote.” This was alarming coming from someone tasked with encouraging voter turnout. On the contrary, if citizens lack confidence in this EC, they should vote to approve the referendum and initiate mechanisms to reform the EC to better serve the public.
When asked if the EC should be neutral, and whether such remarks obstruct the referendum, Mr. Parit said those words should not come from an official whose duty is to facilitate citizens’ voting. Under the 1997 and 2007 constitutions, if citizens believe the EC acts improperly, they can petition for its removal. Currently, posts shared by iLaw have been reposted over one million times. Under previous constitutions, one million signatures could remove the EC over 50 times, reflecting widespread public anger at the EC’s performance. If we want a better EC, we must approve the referendum to proceed with constitutional amendments, making independent agencies truly accountable to the people and subject to oversight.
Urging the EC to take responsibility for protecting citizens’ voting rights more thoroughly.
Regarding Mr. Sa-wang’s statement to the media that the 8 February 2026 election will not have errors like the 1 February early voting, because envelopes will no longer be addressed, Mr. Parit said the errors already caused damage. He hopes the EC will work proactively to compensate for past damages. On 8 February 2026, the EC must perform fully, and he invites citizens to monitor the EC’s work, beginning with the WeWatch and Traffy Fondue platforms that serve as complaint channels for voters if they observe any irregularities.
Mr. Parit added that the EC’s main duty is to protect and facilitate citizens’ voting rights, so they should be mindful of this responsibility. Election day is when citizens’ power is at its peak and an opportunity for public participation in the country’s direction. He does not want anyone’s vote to be lost due to the EC’s poor performance.
Asked about the EC’s decision to send 28 MP candidates for removal to the Supreme Court for failing to vote and not reporting reasons, and that party leaders must take responsibility, Mr. Parit said he has not seen the list but believes the party’s legal team is ready for all scenarios. He is confident their actions comply with the law and is prepared to respond if issues arise.
Urges “Sa-wang” to be aware now after phrase “Don’t come whining” emerged.
Regarding social media criticism of the EC’s work, including the phrase “Don’t come whining,” Mr. Parit said this reflects public anger at recent events. He urged citizens to do their best and those wanting major EC reform to remember the EC’s origin tied to the people, with citizen participation in oversight. On 8 February 2026, he urged voters to approve the referendum to proceed with drafting a new constitution.
. . . “Don’t come whining.” Instead of saying don’t make excuses or don’t offer justifications, Mr. Parit said if he were Mr. Sa-wang, he would realize this now and need to improve his work.
