Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has confirmed it will maintain the same polling station format for the upcoming parliamentary and referendum elections, asserting that this approach is well-considered and will prevent confusion among voters.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the ECT, addressed concerns regarding a lawsuit filed against the ECT in the Administrative Court, which challenges the overlapping polling station formats. Mr. Boonmee acknowledged the lawsuit and noted that citizens have also submitted petitions to the ECT office. He explained that the design of polling stations was finalized after thorough consideration of legal principles and public interest. The primary focus is to uphold the public's intention, whether in voting for a candidate or in a referendum. Additionally, the design aims to facilitate the voting process and ensure orderly management, despite the simultaneous enforcement of parliamentary election and referendum laws at the same polling station.

Mr. Narong Klanwarin, Chairman of the Election Commission, further elaborated that the polling station design was reviewed by both the office and the Election Commission, with multiple designs considered before selecting the final format. This design allows voters to collect their ballots for parliamentary elections and then proceed to vote in the referendum in the same area, aimed at reducing confusion. For those participating in advance voting, a separate channel will be available for referendum voting, bypassing the parliamentary election area. A model demonstrating both election processes will be released to the public to enhance understanding and ensure a smooth electoral process.