Bangkok: The Chairman of the Election Commission inspected the readiness for the gubernatorial and Bangkok councilor elections. He expressed confidence in the system and expected results to be known by 9:00 PM.
According to Thai News Agency, the Chairman of the Election Commission monitored the readiness for the Bangkok gubernatorial and Bangkok City Council elections. He expressed confidence in the work of the election commission, stating that lessons learned from previous elections would prevent errors. Election results are expected by 9:00 PM. The target voter turnout is 70%, 10% higher than the previous election.
Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission, along with his team, visited Bang Kapi School in Bang Kapi District and the Bueng Kum District Office to inspect and observe the handover and acceptance of ballot papers, ballot boxes, polling booths, and equipment, as well as the preparation of polling stations for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and Bangkok Governor elections to be held tomorrow. He oversaw every step of the election process to ensure maximum readiness, prioritizing convenience, accuracy, and public trust. This included administrative management, voter facilitation, and the preparedness of personnel working in the area, aiming to build confidence among voters in the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and Bangkok Governor elections.
Mr. Narong stated that, based on his field visits, they are well-prepared for tomorrow's election. He explained that special training has been provided to polling station committee members, emphasizing that the chairpersons of each station will guide the committee members and prevent errors. He believes there should be fewer mistakes this time, and that they truly want to avoid any misunderstandings or doubts regarding the polling station committee members' duties. He acknowledged that while the committee members are volunteers, they must still take responsibility, both the chairpersons and the committee members themselves. "This time, there should be fewer errors because we have thoroughly reviewed past experiences and provided intensive training to the chairpersons of all 6,000+ polling stations. I believe the chairpersons will be instrumental in guiding the committee members in their respective stations," Mr. Narong said. He also added that he had met with those involved to offer encouragement, acknowledgi ng the pressure of the job due to the nature of elections, which involves both winners and losers. He expressed confidence that the committee members are acting within their assigned roles, will not take sides, and will adhere to the rules and regulations.
Mr. Narong also expects unofficial election results to be known by 9:00 PM and encourages eligible voters to exercise their right to vote. In the 2022 election, voter turnout was approximately 60%. This time, he urges all eligible Bangkok voters to cast their ballots for the Bangkok Governor and Bangkok City Council members to develop their local area. He believes a turnout of around 70% would be satisfactory. The Election Commission Chairman also addressed election candidates, stating that once they enter politics, they should be aware of the rules and regulations, especially election laws which include criminal penalties, particularly for vote buying. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable; if a complaint is filed and an individual is caught, the Election Commission could find them guilty, potentially leading to disqualification from politics. He concluded that it's not worth the risk of buying votes to gain seats in the local council or as a local administrator.
The Election Commission of Thailand also invites eligible voters to exercise their right to vote for members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council and the Governor of Bangkok on Sunday, June 28, 2026, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM at their designated polling station, to collectively determine the direction of Bangkok's development through the power of democracy.