Pathum thani: Students and residents of Khlong Hok staged a protest demanding a recount of the election votes after alleging irregularities in the vote counting process in Constituency 7, Thanyaburi District, Pathum Thani Province. The protest was triggered by claims that citizens were not allowed to observe the proceedings, prompting the Pathum Thani Election Commission to authorize a recount.

According to Thai News Agency, chaos erupted at the Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi's auditorium at 9:00 PM on February 8th. Over 300 students and citizens gathered to protest against polling station officials, citing suspicious behavior during the counting of advance and referendum votes. They expressed concerns about the lack of transparency as citizens were barred from observing the process, with gates closed and CCTV cameras covered. Police were present to maintain order at the polling station, which served as a central hub for ballot boxes from various locations.

Mr. Pian Marasri, Head of the Political Party Investigation and Inquiry Group of the Election Commission of Pathum Thani Province, noted that the district director or officer in charge had prevented citizens from observing the vote counting process, leading to public suspicion. The Pathum Thani Election Commission, lacking authority to order a recount, was advised to gather facts and submit them to the Central Election Commission. A formal complaint was recommended for submission to the Central Election Commission.

Students and citizens reported that attempts to observe the vote counting were thwarted by a female officer in a khaki uniform, citing disruption of official duties. They noted that CCTV cameras were turned off and covered, raising questions about the transparency of the counting process. Concerns were expressed about the absence of citizen representatives during the counting of advance and overseas votes.

Reports indicated that after six hours of negotiations, officials agreed to a recount, with students conducting the process under the supervision of relevant officials. The recount concluded around 9:00 AM the following morning. Ms. Thanyanan Paiboonsuk, a candidate for Member of Parliament for Pathum Thani Constituency 7, was present as an observer throughout the night.

Students reported discrepancies in the initial count, with approximately 30 votes missing from what they had counted. Although they acknowledged minor errors in their count, they considered them significantly less than those identified in the official count. The recount aimed to address doubts and achieve transparency in the election process.