The Election Commission (EC) Chair confirmed readiness to hold the election on 8 February, denying any double standards in investigating vote-buying. Meanwhile, the EC Deputy Secretary noted that wearing football shirts with numbers depends on the wearer's intent; if used to influence voters, it could be illegal.
On 6 February 2026, Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chair of the Election Commission (EC), addressed preparations for the election and referendum scheduled for 8 February. He acknowledged criticisms of the early voting on 1 February, especially regarding errors in district codes written on ballot envelopes. The issue involved only about 100 envelopes, which have since been separated and corrected before counting on 8 February. He accepted the feedback and adjusted procedures to ensure the election and referendum run smoothly on 8 February. He reiterated the EC’s readiness and invited citizens to vote in the MP election and referendum on 8 February from 08:00 to 17:00, urging politicians and parties to conduct campaigns within legal boundaries.
Regarding progress on investigating vote-buying across the northeastern region and elsewhere, Mr. Narong stated that the EC continuously monitors the situation overall but has not publicized details to avoid conflicts of interest. Nonetheless, the EC is addressing all complaints and evidence, affirming it is not neglecting any cases.
Mr. Narong also responded to a political party’s criticism accusing the EC of double standards—investigating a case involving a child in a 2,000 baht vote-buying video but not investigating irregular cash withdrawals of 250 million baht reported by the Bank of Thailand. He clarified that this is not true. The EC has met and requested the bank’s cooperation to provide data, and the EC office is examining all financial channels for which information is received. He emphasized the EC’s impartiality and lawful handling of all matters as the rule enforcer.
Meanwhile, Second Lieutenant Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary of the EC, explained the procedures after polls close on 8 February. At 17:00, vote counting will begin simultaneously for three categories: proportional representation MP election, constituency MP election, and the referendum. Early voting ballots will be counted separately at designated points, while out-of-district referendum ballots will be counted within the polling station itself.
Regarding elections in the three southern border provinces and Thai-Cambodian border areas, joint meetings with security forces and police have been held. Security personnel have been deployed to supervise each area. The EC has instructed polling staff and security officers to maintain order. So far, no problems have been reported, and the election on 8 February is expected to proceed smoothly.
On social media concerns that voters might have to vote at different locations for MP elections and the referendum, Second Lieutenant Phasakorn clarified this is a misunderstanding. Although governed by separate laws, the Cabinet has resolved to hold the referendum on the same day as the MP election. Therefore, voting for MPs and the referendum will occur at the same polling station in sequence—MP voting first, then the referendum. There will be no separation.
Regarding concerns about wearing football shirts with numbers while voting and participating in the referendum, the Deputy Secretary said it depends on the intention behind wearing such clothing. Generally, if no political message or influence is implied, wearing such shirts is allowed. However, if the clothing is intended to persuade voters, it may violate the law. He emphasized that the key factor is the wearer's intent.