The Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief election ballot boxes opened, with voters braving the rain to exercise their rights from early morning. The Khon Kaen Deputy Governor aims for over 60% voter turnout despite rainy weather possibly affecting travel.
At 07:30 on 27 Sep 2026 at Khon Kaen Technical College, Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province — the venue for three polling units of the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief election, specifically units 36 and 37 in Village 4 in front of Learning Building 1, and unit 38 — all located in Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province.
Voting was scheduled from 08:00 to 17:00. Eligible voters, especially seniors, gradually braved the rain to line up before the ballot boxes opened for the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief election. The atmosphere was lively, with Mrs. Kamnang Chaisong, 80, arriving first despite limited mobility, determined to elect a good leader to help the community.
At 08:00, officials and voters stood for the national anthem before opening the ballot boxes. Voters gradually entered booths according to the schedule. Election Commission officials managed security and access, prohibiting unrelated persons from entering the voting booths, while media observed from outside.
That morning, Mr. Panthep Saokosol, Khon Kaen Deputy Governor and chairman of the election committee for the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization, who is also eligible to vote at this location, cast his ballot and inspected the proceedings alongside Lt. Ratri Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, Mr. Watchara Srisarn, director of the Khon Kaen provincial election office, and related staff. The overall atmosphere remained orderly.
Mrs. Kamnang Chaisong, 80, said she never misses voting. Despite her age and limited mobility, she insisted on voting in person, arriving early to select the new Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization chief.
She wants an honest leader who sincerely helps and addresses the community's hardships. She urged the elected official to work sincerely for the people and to care for seniors like herself. Her leg weakness is no barrier to voting; even if she must crawl, she will come. She invited others to vote in the Isan dialect: “Come on, come help together, use your rights and voice fully.”
Mr. Panthep Saokosol said, besides voting at Khon Kaen Technical College, his alma mater, he observed steady voter turnout despite overnight rain. The previous election had over 50% turnout; this time, the goal is about 60%. He encouraged citizens to vote regardless of weather, to choose representatives who will develop Khon Kaen.
Lt. Ratri Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn said he was assigned to support the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization election committee and staff. Investigative teams have been deployed, coordinating with relevant agencies. Overall, the situation remains orderly at the time of reporting.
Regarding weather, Lt. Ratri noted Khon Kaen is relatively fortunate since rain has hindered voter turnout in many parts of the country. The election here proceeds smoothly. He encouraged citizens to vote and observe both voting and counting to ensure transparency and acceptance by all parties.
On social media rumors about vote-buying, Lt. Ratri explained that investigative teams from the provincial and central Election Commission offices are on site, working with local agencies. Citizens with information or witnessing incidents can report directly to the provincial Election Commission, which will consider legal action accordingly.
Lt. Ratri added that central teams assisting locally do not mean Khon Kaen is under special scrutiny; collaboration between central and local offices is standard for all elections. Given the election covers the entire province, strict oversight is necessary. No official complaints have been filed yet, but some information is reportedly being gathered.