"Chonburi Constituency 1" Tensions continue as crowds camp overnight, awaiting Election Commission representatives to negotiate a resolution regarding demands for a vote recount. "Chonburi Constituency 1 MP" to alleviate public doubts.
On 9 Feb 2026 GMT+7, a large number of people gathered at the square in front of Mueang District Office, Chonburi Province, opposite the gymnasium in Bang Plasoi Subdistrict, starting around 16:00. They demanded that the Chonburi Election Commission inspect the ballot boxes used by voters in Constituency 1. After inquiring with the Election Commission office, they were told the ballot boxes were stored securely in a locked room under CCTV surveillance at the Mueang Chonburi District Office.
However, upon inspection, it was found that all the boxes were actually at the district's badminton stadium, lacking the promised security. They were about to be moved to the Election Commission office without cable ties as required by the Commission's regulations. When asked, officials said the cable ties had run out. Protesters then surrounded the vehicles and refused to allow the ballot boxes to be moved, demanding the Election Commission clarify the transparency and accuracy of the vote counting amid multiple complaints.
At 21:10, Mr. Worachak Sathapornpinyo, Mueang Chonburi District Chief, spoke to the protesters, stating that an immediate recount could not proceed. He said the Chonburi Election Commission Director would come to inspect and clarify the matter. The Director explained he currently lacked the authority to order a recount. Complaints had been forwarded to the central Election Commission, and the public was asked to wait for further proceedings.
By 23:30, negotiations remained unresolved. Protesters insisted on a clear commitment from the Election Commission on when a recount would be authorized, as their sole demand was a recount to ensure transparency in verifying this election's results.
The District Chief proposed filing a police report to place all ballot boxes under police custody while awaiting the Election Commission’s decision. However, the protesters refused and insisted solely on a clear decision to conduct a recount.
At approximately 23:45, the Chonburi Election Commission Director informed protest representatives that central Election Commission officials would travel from Bangkok to negotiate a resolution. The official was later identified as Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin Noi Lek, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, additional protesters continued arriving outside the building. Their expectation was an immediate recount, and they firmly stated they would camp out and not leave under any circumstances.
Any further developments will be reported accordingly.