The Election Commission inspected polling stations for the Nonthaburi Provincial Governor election, expressing concern that afternoon rain might affect voter turnout. They hope overall participation will surpass that of 2025 and expect to officially announce the results by no later than 9:00 PM.
On 20 Sep 2026 GMT+7, at polling station number 130 for the Nonthaburi Provincial Governor election, located in front of Nonthaburi City Municipality Office, Bang Krasor Subdistrict, Mueang Nonthaburi District, Mr. Chettha Mosikharat, Governor of Nonthaburi Province, Mr. Narong Rakroi, Election Commission (EC) member, Pol. Maj. Gen. Detraphi Khongdee, Commander of Nonthaburi Provincial Police, Ms. Chuleeporn Chanbaipad, Director of the Nonthaburi Provincial Election Commission Office, Mr. Natthapoom Nontasiri, Permanent Secretary of Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) acting as Governor, and Ms. Yaniphat Srikhot, Director of Local Election for Nonthaburi PAO, along with the District Chief of Mueang Nonthaburi, visited the polling station. They found the situation orderly with citizens gradually coming out to vote.
Mr. Chettha said that it rained last night and also this morning before the election started. Everyone was concerned whether rain would last all day and possibly affect voter turnout. However, just before the 8 AM start of voting, the rain stopped and the morning weather cleared, allowing voters to come out to the 1,450 polling stations to cast their ballots.
So far, there have been no issues caused by weather conditions. It is positive that people are actively coming out to vote, as the Election Commission and related provincial agencies have continuously encouraged eligible voters. They will monitor the situation again in the evening, as Nonthaburi usually experiences rain in the late afternoon, but they hope voting will conclude near 5 PM.
Regarding vote counting at polling stations, they hope there will be no rain. The Election Commission and polling stations have prepared backup plans in case of heavy rain to ensure the counting process proceeds smoothly. This includes arrangements for lighting, transporting ballots, and sending them to the Nonthaburi provincial stadium where votes are consolidated. Vote reporting will be done via social media platforms to maintain transparency and encourage public participation.
Mr. Narong stated that Nonthaburi, being a suburban urban area, experienced rain last night. About 10 out of 1,450 polling stations had flooding, but the station chairpersons and district directors resolved the issues so all voters could exercise their rights normally. He advised voters to bring umbrellas when leaving home as rain is possible.
The Election Commission is particularly concerned about Nonthaburi’s urban community nature, which necessitates over 900 of the 1,450 polling stations being temporary tents. Heavy rain and strong winds could damage these tents, possibly forcing a halt to voting. They need to promptly address these issues and reinforce tent stability to prevent damage and ensure voters can cast ballots.
In the previous Nonthaburi Provincial Governor and Provincial Council election on 1 September 2025, turnout was 41.1%. They hope overall participation will exceed that this time. Official election results are expected to be announced no later than 9:00 PM.
At 12:45 PM, reporters observed rain in Mueang Nonthaburi District, which temporarily prevented some voters from going out to vote. Election officials took care to protect ballot boxes from getting wet. Since morning, voters have gradually come out to cast their ballots at polling stations.
