Narong, Chairman of the Election Commission, inspects the 2026 polling station and referendum voting at the CDC parking lot before entering the booth to vote. He encourages the polling station officials to perform their duties carefully, aiming for a voter turnout exceeding 75%.','tags':['Election Commission','Polling Station','Referendum','Voter Turnout']
At 07:45 on 8 February 2026 GMT+7,','tags':['Time','Date','Election Day'] Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission (EC),','tags':['Narong Klanwarin','Election Commission','Chairman'] visited and observed the general election for members of the House of Representatives (MPs) and the referendum voting at polling station 12, electoral district 14, Khlong Chan subdistrict, Bang Kapi district, Bangkok (at the Crystal Design Center (CDC) parking tent). He was accompanied by Lieutenant Commander Samphan Saengkamlaet, Director of the Bangkok Election Commission Office, and EC executives.','tags':['Election Observation','Polling Station 12','Bang Kapi','Bangkok','Referendum']
During the visit, the EC Chairman explained the voting procedures for both the election and referendum. He encouraged the polling station officials to perform their duties correctly and in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, the Chairman himself cast his vote for MP and referendum at polling station 12, electoral district 14, which has 655 registered voters. He was listed as voter number 617.','tags':['Voting Procedures','Election Commission','Polling Officials','Voter Participation']
Mr. Narong commented on the readiness of the general election and referendum, stating that the EC is fully prepared nationwide after extensive planning. So far, no irregularities or issues have been observed this morning. He said there is no concern about voters marking ballots incorrectly because each station provides examples of the correct way to mark an X for valid ballots and how to avoid spoiling them. For the referendum, voters must also mark an X to approve or disapprove; marking a checkmark would invalidate the ballot. He added that ballot tearing has been minimal in the past and intentional misconduct is very rare.','tags':['Election Readiness','Voting Instructions','Ballot Marking','Referendum','Election Integrity']
"I confirm we are 100% ready. On 7 February, the day materials and ballots were distributed, I emphasized to the polling officials to facilitate the election as best as possible," he said.','tags':['Election Preparation','Material Distribution','Polling Officials']
Regarding complaints, Mr. Narong acknowledged that vote-buying cases have been actively addressed by the EC. If anyone is found involved, action will be taken. He also highlighted that the Supreme Court has revoked the candidacy rights of certain district MP candidates, so votes cast for them will be invalidated. Nevertheless, the target is for voter turnout to exceed the previous 75%. If turnout reaches 80-90%, it will demonstrate strong public will in shaping Thailand's future.','tags':['Vote Buying','Legal Actions','Voter Turnout Target','Public Participation']
Addressing concerns about polling stations and referendum voting outside registered districts, Lieutenant Commander Samphan explained that out-of-district referendum voting is organized separately for registered voters and is distinct from regular polling stations. Reporters noted that after voting and referendum completion, the EC Chairman and his team proceeded to inspect polling stations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani provinces.','tags':['Polling Stations','Out-of-District Voting','Referendum','Election Inspection','Ayutthaya','Pathum Thani']}] }