Sawang reviews the lessons from the 8 February 2026 election, plans to install CCTV cameras at every polling station, and examines the performance of election volunteers. Meanwhile, the EC chairman presented a plaque of appreciation to Thairath TV for supporting election publicity.
On 24 April 2026, Mr. Narong Klannavarin, Chairman of the Election Commission, presided over a ceremony to award plaques of recognition to government and private agencies that contributed to the campaign promoting the 2026 general election and referendum.
Among the television stations supporting election publicity, Thairath TV was one of those honored with a plaque. The provinces receiving awards included five with the highest voter turnout rates: 1. Phatthalung Province: 83.54%
2. Lamphun Province: 81.71%
3. Nakhon Nayok Province: 80.06%
4. Nakhon Pathom Province: 79.52%
5. Songkhla Province: 79.52%
The province with the largest increase in voter turnout compared to 2023 was Surat Thani, rising by 1.53%.
Additionally, five provinces were recognized for having the lowest percentages of spoiled ballots:
1. Bangkok: 1.65% spoiled ballots
2. Surat Thani: 2.177%
3. Phatthalung: 2.183%
4. Trang: 2.29%
5. Nonthaburi: 2.33%
The EC chairman stated that the success of the election organization resulted from cooperation across all sectors. The award ceremony was held to encourage and thank those who helped ensure the election was successfully completed.
Lessons Learned from Election Volunteers' Confusion
Mr. Sawang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, said there must be analysis on whether conducting the general election simultaneously with the referendum reduced voter turnout. Therefore, if future elections are held together with referenda, the law must be amended accordingly. Lessons have already been drawn, including public expectations and concerns. He emphasized that the election system is very robust, with no interference or manipulation affecting the results.
“We acknowledge errors arose from managing over 1.6 million election volunteers under complex regulations, leading to mistakes. Improvements are necessary. In the future, CCTV cameras may be installed at every polling station to closely monitor volunteer activities.”
Election Complaint Cases Total Approximately 250
Regarding legal proceedings, after reviewing facts, whether to press charges depends on investigation outcomes and intent. If intentional violations of law or dishonesty are found, prosecution will follow. If errors are accidental and do not affect the election's substance, administrative improvements will be made. Some complaints have already led to charges, such as cases involving volunteers in Lamphun and Suphanburi provinces. The EC has filed complaints in some areas, while other cases remain under investigation. Currently, there are about 250 election-related complaints.
Ordered Additional Investigation of Suphanburi Vote Counts
Concerning the EC’s investigation of election cases in Suphanburi, Mr. Sawang said abnormalities were observed due to unusually large vote count jumps of hundreds of votes. From experience, vote recount discrepancies usually do not exceed one or two votes. The abnormalities in this province prompted the EC to order further investigation to determine whether errors or fraud occurred, whether it involved only two polling stations or more, and if any orchestrated manipulation was behind it. Further on-site inquiries are needed.
