In the 2026 election, the Election Commission hotline 1444 has been flooded with public inquiries. Officials are ready to answer questions and assist in resolving problems until midnight. A re-vote is planned in Nan Province in the district where nearly 70 ballots were torn incorrectly.
On 8 February 2026 GMT+7, reporters reported that the Election Commission Office scheduled the election of Members of Parliament and the referendum voting from 08:00 to 17:00. However, since 07:00, many citizens have been continuously calling the Election Commission hotline 1444 to ask questions, especially regarding those who have already voted early but have not yet cast their referendum vote, as well as difficulties locating their polling stations.
Mr. Veera Yeephrae, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, explained that some voters who previously registered to vote early for Members of Parliament were unable to register for the referendum vote outside their district. For the referendum, they must vote at their regular polling station registered under their household registration. If they cannot travel back to vote, they must notify the authorities of valid reasons such as distance, illness, or force majeure, following legal procedures.
In principle, today voters receive three ballots: for constituency Member of Parliament, party-list Member of Parliament, and the referendum. Only a small number had registered for early voting. There were many questions about finding polling stations; voters are advised to check their household notification letters which clearly state their polling locations. If they cannot find their polling station, they should contact the district office for assistance.
Regarding the relocation of referendum polling stations outside the province, the Deputy Secretary-General stated that only two districts, Huai Khwang and Laksi, were moved due to cramped conditions and large voter numbers. The changes were publicized in advance with shuttle services provided for voter convenience. For example, Laksi voters now vote at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. If voters go to the wrong location, they can contact their district office for coordination and assistance.
At hotline 1444, Mr. Veera said there are currently 10 lines staffed to handle the continuous flow of calls. Staff try to answer questions and resolve issues initially. If matters require coordination with other agencies, contact details are taken for follow-up. Services will continue until midnight today. So far, there have been no complaints regarding the conduct of polling station officials. Overall, the polling management is proceeding smoothly. Any complaints received through the hotline will be forwarded to provincial and district Election Commission offices for investigation and oversight to ensure compliance with the law.
Lieutenant Commander Phasakorn Siriphakdyaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, held an urgent press briefing to clarify the situation. The issue involves polling station officials in Nan Province tearing 69 ballots incorrectly, affecting the candidate numbers of some parties printed on the back of the ballots. This occurred at polling station number 3, Chai Sathan Subdistrict, Mueang Nan District, inside the Ban Srikerd Auditorium. The Election Commission found that all problematic ballots had already been placed in the ballot box. Voting at that station continued until the official closing time. After voting ends, a re-examination will occur during the vote counting stage. If officials find problematic ballots, they must announce “do not count this vote” and the polling station committee will report to the Election Commission requesting a full re-vote for only the affected station. According to procedures, a re-vote at this station is necessary but awaits an official announcement.
