Saeng Bunmee posted a clarification regarding his comment "If you don't trust the committee, then don't vote" on a popular program, stressing he did not intend to challenge the people's authority. He lamented that the media only quoted parts of his statement without explaining the context, causing public misunderstanding and discomfort.
On 4 Feb 2026 at 20:14 GMT+7, Mr. Saeng Bunmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), posted on his personal Facebook about his statement on the program "Workers' News Off-Air Talk" hosted by Mr. Sorayut Suthassanachinda. He said, "If people do not trust the committee, then don't go vote," and apologized for causing public unease. He appeared on the program to clarify issues the public questioned and accusations made on "Workers' News," aiming to reassure people that the election would be conducted properly. This included the early voting on 1 Feb, which faced suspicions and accusations against officials, and the upcoming election on 8 Feb. He emphasized that confidence in elections must rest on two pillars: the system and the people.
Regarding the people, meaning those serving as committee members, he explained on the program, in principle and fact, that committee members must earn public trust. If the public does not trust the committee, then voting loses legitimacy and order. In reality, some citizens are losing faith in the committee, raising doubts and accusations about the 1 Feb election. He thus addressed election workers for the 8 Feb election, urging them to avoid errors and explaining measures to prevent mistakes.
On the program, some expressions might have been playfully or vividly phrased. When the media quoted only a single sentence without including the preceding and following context, readers could misinterpret the intent, causing public discomfort and a negative election atmosphere. He affirmed he had no intention to challenge the people's authority in any way and apologized for his poor communication on this occasion.
