Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC) has called upon private companies, shops, and employers to ensure their employees are able to participate in the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) elections. Citizens have been invited to exercise their voting rights until 5:00 p.m. No instances of election law violations were reported during the "Howling Dog" election night.
According to Thai News Agency, after the provincial administrative organization ballot boxes were opened from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Mr. Sa-wang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, announced that the opening of polling stations for the election of the president and members of the provincial administrative organization nationwide went smoothly. Approximately one million polling station committees were on hand to assist the 47 million eligible voters. Today, elections are being held in 47 provinces for both the president and members of the provincial administrative organization, while 29 provinces are electing only the members.
The ballot papers vary in color across different regions. Voters are required to present their national ID card or a government-issued card with their national ID number and photo for identity verification. Those without such a card may apply for a new one at district or local registration offices, which are offering special services for eligible voters.
The EC has requested cooperation from private sector employers to support their employees' right to vote, warning that delays in facilitating this could result in criminal penalties.
The EC Secretary-General also highlighted prohibitions and offenses related to election laws, stating that campaigning by candidates on election day is not permitted. Offenders will face criminal charges, including the revocation of voting rights. Voters are forbidden from photographing their ballots, using fake ballots, or distributing poll results. Violators will be subject to legal consequences.
On the "Howling Dog" night, the EC Secretary-General assured that preventive measures were in place, with news reports from various areas and checkpoints established to deter any illegal activities. CCTV footage from hotels and restaurants was reviewed to ensure compliance with the law, and reports from news centers nationwide confirmed that no unlawful actions occurred.