The Chief of Muang Phayao Police Station revealed that police have charged a female polling officer under Section 23 of the Election Act. The case file has been sent to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to consider charges under Section 157. A deeper investigation is underway to determine if there is a mastermind behind the incident.
On 11 February 2026, reporters reported on the progress of a case involving a female polling officer in Phayao Province who committed electoral fraud in Constituency 1, Polling Station 6, at the canteen of Ban Sala School, Village 4, Tha Wang Thong Subdistrict, Muang District, Phayao Province, on 8 February. The polling station chairman spotted and arrested her with evidence: seven ballots for MP candidates and seven for party lists, totaling 14 ballots, which she was preparing to cast. She was taken to the Muang Phayao Police Station for prosecution under Section 23 of the Election Act. In initial questioning, the suspect denied all charges and requested to testify in court.
The latest development today is that the female polling officer has been additionally charged under Section 157 for an official who performs or neglects duties improperly, causing harm to a person, or acts corruptly in the performance or neglect of official duties.
Regarding the latest case, Pol. Col. Chalermchat Yavichai, Chief of Muang Phayao Police Station, stated that this case has drawn public and Phayao Provincial Election Commission interest. Superiors have ordered an expedited investigation and evidence gathering. The Phayao Provincial Police has formed a subcommittee which has collected evidence and interviewed 11 polling officers, completing these steps. They have also consulted the legal department of the Phayao Election Commission. Since the suspect is an official assigned to the polling station, though an ordinary citizen, she is considered an official and liable under Section 157 for misconduct in office. The case must be forwarded to the NACC first because it involves two laws, for the NACC to decide whether to take the case themselves or return it to the police. The outcome depends on the NACC and the Election Commission's rulings.
When asked whether anyone is behind or supporting the suspect’s wrongdoing, the Chief of Muang Phayao Police Station said that during questioning, the suspect denied all allegations and chose to testify in court. However, police are conducting a thorough investigation, but so far no information has emerged indicating a mastermind or accomplice.