Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the Election Commission expressed gratitude towards election officials for their efforts in organizing advance voting, while also addressing criticisms and mistakes encountered during the process. He emphasized the importance of not letting unfounded accusations discourage the officials from their duties.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, took to his personal Facebook page to convey his appreciation for the commitment shown by the polling station committee members and related staff. Despite facing misunderstandings and criticisms, these semi-volunteers carried out their crucial responsibilities for the Election Commission office. Mr. Saeng asked them to remain undeterred and continue contributing to this significant national work.
The advance voting for Members of Parliament witnessed a high voter turnout, creating an energetic atmosphere that is anticipated to lead to even higher participation on February 8th. Candidates, political parties, and observers were actively engaged in monitoring the process to ensure it was conducted transparently and fairly.
Mr. Saeng acknowledged the numerous allegations made during and after the voting process, mentioning that while some critiques are constructive, others lack specificity, making it difficult to investigate. He urged for detailed information when accusations arise, so appropriate investigations can be conducted. Mr. Saeng suggested maintaining records of events at polling stations to aid in verifying facts and providing clarity in case of disputes.
To support transparency, the Election Commission has implemented multiple channels for public access to information, including introductory documents to households, the Smart Vote app, provincial Election Commission websites, and the central Election Commission website. These measures aim to enhance the public's ability to verify election-related information.
Mr. Saeng reflected on the pursuit of perfection in national projects, acknowledging the inevitability of mistakes given the scale of operations involving millions of citizens. He assured that the Election Commission strives to meet societal expectations and aims to achieve the highest possible standards.
Additionally, Mr. Saeng addressed comments regarding his watch, clarifying that the Omega Swahis watch strap was crafted from a repurposed Gucci leather bag, purchased at a modest price from an online marketplace.