Residents enthusiastically exercise their voting rights in the Udon Thani 3rd district by-election. The Election Commission reports no election fraud during the 'howling dog' night and expects to announce results by no later than 7:30 PM.
At 08:00 AM on 30 August 2026, Ms. Samihra Decha-angkura, Director of the Udon Thani Election Commission, and her team visited polling station number 9 in Moo 7, Ban Men, Ban Khao Subdistrict, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. This by-election is to fill the MP seat for Udon Thani's 3rd district, vacant due to the death of Mr. Rang Thurapol, former MP from the Bhumjaithai Party. The polling station was located inside the Ruam Jai Sala at Wat Ban Men. After the national anthem, 15 voters lined up to check their names and order, received ballots, entered booths to mark their preferred candidate number, and then deposited their ballots into the box. The station’s election officials facilitated the process smoothly for voters.
Ms. Samihra Decha-angkura, Director of the Udon Thani Election Commission, explained that Udon Thani Province had prepared thoroughly, including personnel, materials, and training for election officials. Particularly, the Election Commission rehearsed the duties of the polling station chairpersons once more. This reinforced the confidence of many polling station officials that they could carry out their duties properly and in accordance with legal procedures. The public lined up to vote following widespread publicity efforts, with village heads encouraging residents to participate actively.
“Specifically, at polling station number 9 in Ban Men, a dozen voters queued up in the morning. We thank the residents of Ban Khao Subdistrict and expect similarly strong voter turnout in other parts of Phen and Sangkhom districts.”
Regarding complaints of election fraud during the 'howling dog' night, no reports of vote buying or related misconduct have been received so far. The Election Commission has deployed rapid response teams and local police, along with central rapid response units, in the area. The 3rd district has 240 polling stations, and vote counting is expected to finish by 7:30 PM, or no later than 8:00 PM. Since there is only one electoral district and the farthest polling site is about 36 km away in Phen District, results will be reported online as soon as counting is complete and data recorded.
Regarding documents and materials, these will be delivered again to Phen and Sangkhom districts, which are not far away. The weather is rainy as it is the rainy season, and citizens have been informed accordingly. The Election Commission has measures to protect election materials, such as providing large plastic bags to cover paper ballot boxes. Phen and Sangkhom districts are at the end of the power distribution line and experience frequent voltage drops and outages, so battery-powered lamps have been prepared. All polling stations are in permanent buildings, so this is not a major concern. Voters are expected to bring raincoats and umbrellas.