The chairman of the Election Commission (EC) expressed great frustration over threats of imprisonment, retorting that there is no delay since there is a 60-day period for certifying MPs and only two days were used to investigate the Chonburi incident in all dimensions. He confirmed that decisions are based on legal principles, not arbitrary judgment. The EC's deputy secretary explained that the barcode on the ballot is a high-level security standard.
On 12 Feb 2026 at the Election Commission office, Mr. Narong Klanwarin, the EC chairman, held a press conference regarding the progress of the 2026 general election and the referendum following the EC meeting. He affirmed that the EC acts as the agency responsible for managing elections and referenda, following the constitution, laws, and all regulations. When issues arise, the EC convenes immediately and does not neglect them. However, some matters require sufficient information to make judgments. Therefore, a fact-finding inquiry was appointed and took two days. From the investigation reports from both the complainants and officials involved, as well as eyewitnesses, the EC weighs the evidence much like drafting a judgment, examining witness connections. Three issues raised in complaints have been reported, but the EC has also assigned further fact-finding to verify whether the vote counting in this election was conducted honestly and fairly.
"All EC members today spent nearly five hours reviewing the various issues. We can affirm that the EC will not risk its reputation over such matters, nor is there any need to. Therefore, aside from examining the complaints, we are awaiting verification regarding the correctness of vote counting and result aggregation. We emphasize this point specifically. Other matters will be addressed as they arise. We confirm that we have investigated all aspects thoroughly because this is an important matter. Regarding the complaint accusing the EC of filing false reports in Chonburi, everyone operates under the law, so we believe procedures will be followed accordingly," the EC chairman said.
When asked about alleged delays in resolving the issues, Mr. Narong said, "What delay? We do not act arbitrarily. For example, the claim that votes in Chonburi must be immediately recounted—if the law permits it, we would have done it. Legal procedures exist, and you do not have to believe us, but in Chonburi we conducted investigations over two days. The law allows 60 days for MP certification. We are not delayed; we work continuously every day. After the election, the EC has closely monitored the situation and tried to verify every complaint, even those not legally valid. Regarding the three complaints in Chonburi, none meet legal criteria. Nevertheless, we have sought to review whether the vote counting was honest. We must ensure the election is credible and trustworthy. We are prepared to disclose all information and have never concealed anything, and we are ready to explain all matters."
When asked how the EC evaluates the election management this time, Mr. Narong replied, "I cannot assess it myself; it is for you to evaluate. However, please consider whether there was any unrest or disorder on 8 Feb, including vote counting and facilitation. Did any problems occur on election day? What happened afterward, you can decide for yourselves."
Regarding reports of protesters throwing fermented fish at the EC office this morning and security measures in response, Mr. Narong said, "Our role is election management, and we believe we have done our utmost on security as the media has observed. Despite insults, disparagement, and threats, the EC said it would even change its bedding if necessary. We will stand firm in our duties under the law. We are all afraid, but we must persist in our responsibilities."
Barcode on ballots is a high-level security standard.
Lt. Pasakorn Siriphakkayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, addressed concerns about barcode scanning on ballots potentially revealing voter information, explaining this is a misunderstanding. The barcode on ballots is a security measure to identify the batch and polling unit as a control measure by the EC. The barcode is a strong security standard to trace origin and is not linked to any political party. He emphasized this point.
Asked whether filing a complaint against a child might provoke public unrest, Lt. Pasakorn explained that the complaint concerns a victim, specifically the EC official responsible for the electoral district. When unauthorized entry or obstruction of official duties occurs, the official must investigate and file a complaint. This also applies when official documents are taken. The victim, as the responsible party, needs to report to protect themselves and clarify where the documents in their care have gone.
Regarding ongoing delays and concerns that public groups might rise up again, Mr. Narong said, "I want the public to understand that these delays are not caused by the EC acting slowly, but because we must follow legal frameworks. I encourage people to study the procedural regulations to understand that the decision-making process is not delayed. Election law stipulates completion within 60 days."
The official announcement of the results will be made very soon.
Regarding public demands for the EC to announce election results, Lt. Pasakorn confirmed that the election results will be announced. Each province is expediting procedures to send district election results to the EC for compilation and official announcement, which will be made very soon.
Regarding independent academics noting discrepancies between the number of constituency ballots and party-list ballots at each unit, Lt. Pasakorn clarified that this can occur because the election results are not yet official. Thus, figures may vary slightly, and he urged the public to wait for the official results for accuracy.
Delegating to the media the assessment of how the EC managed the election and referendum.
When reporters asked the EC to evaluate the election management in terms of mistakes or success, the EC chairman briefly replied,
"I cannot evaluate it myself because it is for you to assess. But please consider whether there was unrest or disorder during the election and referendum on 8 February. What happened afterward, you can judge for yourselves regarding vote counting and facilitation. I believe you will make an accurate assessment. You decide."
