Bangkok: Rain did not hinder the election for the Roi Et Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) chairman, with approximately 50% of voters already casting their ballots. The Provincial Election Commission Director and the Thawatchaburi District Chief confirmed that the situation was orderly at all polling stations, with ample lighting provided.
According to Thai News Agency, a media team observed the election for the Roi Et PAO Chairman at Constituency 1, Polling Station 1, Village 1, Wat Saraluangwanaram, Yangyai Subdistrict, Changhan District. Ms. Phanwipa Sangkhatip, Director of the Roi Et Provincial Election Commission, stated that the rainfall, due to cloud seeding to alleviate drought, was not a concern for voter turnout. She noted that despite the rain, people were still coming out to vote. At this polling station, which has 605 eligible voters, nearly 50% had already cast their ballots, with expectations close to the target of 60%. She also emphasized that there were no reports of disruptions at the polling stations.
The polling station at Wat Sa Luang Wanaram is among 300-400 villages participating in the Election Commission's campaign against vote buying. This particular polling station has just opened and will open gradually. Community meetings will be held to gather villagers to sign a pledge vowing not to buy or sell votes. Observations indicate no vote buying in this area.
Ms. Phanwipa addressed concerns about power outages during vote counting due to storms, stating that polling stations are prepared with their electrical systems. Vote counting can be suspended according to regulations if necessary, but historically, there has been no suspension of vote counting in Roi Et province. She viewed the election as a normal event with no need for special precautions against potential problems.
The delegation traveled to polling station No. 9, Village No. 9, Prang Ku Temple Pavilion, Prang Ku Village, Mae Ue Subdistrict, Thawatchaburi District, Roi Et Province, to inspect the polling station after heavy rain. Mr. Jirasak Sriboonlue, District Chief of Thawatchaburi, stated that the heavy rain lasted only an hour. Most residents had already voted early in the morning, coinciding with the rice farming season. They rushed out to vote and returned to their fields, while city workers were expected to return to vote by 3:00 PM.
Mr. Jirasak reported no flooding issues affecting voter turnout, and the polling station committee was informed about preventative measures. Regarding the vote counting after polls closed at 5:00 PM, necessary lighting equipment was prepared. He anticipated no problems with lighting during the vote counting process.
Mr. Jirasak noted voter turnout between 45-55%, with a goal to minimize invalid ballots to no more than 2%. Schools are closed, and some residents work in other provinces. His morning inspection found everything orderly, with about 50% voter turnout after visiting 6-7 polling stations.
Mr. Jirasak expressed no concerns about vote counting, as rehearsals were conducted and a committee oversaw the process. Necessary equipment and lighting were prepared to handle any emergencies in case of power outages.