The Election Commission (EC) explained that the recount in Pathum Thani did not change the election results. Regarding torn ballots in Nan and ballot stuffing by election staff in Phayao, the EC is verifying the facts. It revealed that there have been 113 complaints of election fraud so far, with vote-buying being the most common. The EC assured it will persistently pursue these issues despite criticism that everyone knows about vote-buying nationwide except the EC.
On 9 Feb 2026 at 14:00 at the Election Commission office, Lt. Col. Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, gave an update on the general election. Regarding torn ballots in Nan province, the EC is awaiting detailed facts from the district director to determine if any procedural errors or legal violations occurred. Similarly, in Phayao, where election staff were arrested for tearing ballots and attempting unauthorized ballot submission, the EC is waiting for a report on the facts. The vote counting process was completed on 8 Feb; clarity on the facts is needed to ensure fairness to all parties. If violations are confirmed, appropriate steps will follow.
Lt. Col. Phasakorn added that the recount at the polling station in the auditorium of Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Khlong Hok, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, was part of a process for counting votes outside the district and abroad, which necessitated a new count. He emphasized that this recount did not change the election results. However, the EC is awaiting a report on the facts from the Pathum Thani provincial EC director and the constituency election committee.
When asked about reports that the Bhumjaithai Party initially led but was overtaken by the Prachachon Party, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said this was a highly inaccurate report. The information is consistent that no changes occurred at the vote counting location.
When asked about reports that officials did not allow public observers during the recount and covered CCTV cameras with black bags, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said these issues must be considered separately. Regarding vote counting, wherever it occurs, the public can observe. As for prohibitions or CCTV camera covers, the EC is awaiting factual reports. Any unlawful acts will be submitted to the EC for review. The EC is concerned and has instructed provinces with incidents to promptly summarize and report the facts for investigation.
Asked about reports of ballot discrepancies in Phichit province, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said the EC is investigating. Since unofficial results were reported on 8 Feb, some data entry errors might have occurred. The EC will wait for the official results announcement, which will provide the accurate data.
Regarding the issue at Kan Nai Yao polling station 9 in Bangkok, where heavy rain damaged ballots, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said that counting was halted due to rain and strong winds. Next, the election staff must report to the district election director, who will report to the EC for consideration. Under the law, if ballots are damaged or spoiled, the EC can order a new vote.
When asked about social media clips showing secret vote counting without showing ballots to the public, with responses that this was a technical issue, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said the EC must first verify the facts.
Asked when the official election results will be announced, Lt. Col. Phasakorn said that by law, the EC must announce official election results within 60 days from the election day at the latest.
There have been 113 complaints of election fraud so far, with vote-buying the most frequent.
Pol. Lt. Col. Chanin Noilek, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, stated today that the EC has resolved for its office to clarify facts on various issues. He said that in all matters related to the election process, torn or damaged ballots, arrests, and technical reporting errors, the EC has emphasized strict action in all cases. The system will be reviewed as a lesson for improvement. Thus, all issues will be addressed decisively, continuously, and promptly.
Do not worry; the EC will persistently pursue issues amid criticism that everyone knows about vote-buying nationwide except the EC.
The EC deputy secretary-general added that citizens can file election result objections anytime, up to 30 days after the official announcement, after which the opportunity ends. Regarding criticisms about vote-buying in many areas where clips have circulated, raising questions if everyone knows except the EC, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanin confirmed investigations are ongoing. Some cases have been prosecuted, others are under investigation. He assured that the EC continuously collects evidence and will not relent. Today (9 Feb), two more complaints were added, totaling 113. Vote-buying violations under Section 73 (1) of the Organic Act on the Election of MPs remain the top offense, with 107 cases formally accepted, spanning all regions.
Pol. Capt. Natthawat Sengiamsak, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, commented on the unofficial reporting system for the MP election and referendum results. He said that last night, the Big Data Institute resolved technical issues, and reports have now reached about 94 percent. By law, reporting is allowed up to 95 percent. Media reported some inaccuracies, so the Big Data Institute is conducting checks. Provincial EC offices are collecting official vote counts to send to districts, then constituencies. Once complete, official and verified results will be submitted to the central EC office for announcement. At that time, official scores will be known, and the EC will publish detailed polling station reports (form 5/18) on its website for public verification.
