Bangkok: Supachai Jaisamut, a prospective MP and chairman of the Bhumjaithai Party’s legal team, has reiterated that the 2016 general election adhered to constitutional requirements and will not be declared invalid. This statement comes in response to concerns raised by former Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam regarding the potential compromise of voting secrecy due to barcodes on ballot papers.

According to Thai News Agency, Supachai took to Facebook to address the issue, emphasizing that the concerns should be evaluated based on legal principles rather than technical aspects. He referenced the 2017 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, which mandates elections to be conducted ‘directly and secretly,’ clarifying that ‘secret’ implies no system should link an individual to their vote, not that ballots must be free of any codes.

Supachai explained that the barcodes on ballots, overseen by the Election Commission, serve to control ballot numbers, prevent forgery, and facilitate polling station operations. He assured that these barcodes are not connected to voter registration lists and cannot trace individual votes.

He further noted that an election can only be invalidated if there is a serious breach of fundamental principles supported by clear evidence, rather than mere assumptions about potential secrecy issues. Supachai pointed out that while others may speculate on a voter’s choice, the act of voting occurs in isolation, ensuring that once a ballot is cast, it remains anonymous.

Supachai concluded that without evidence linking barcodes to voter identification or vote tracking, the 2026 general election will maintain its status as a direct and secret election under the Constitution, and cannot be invalidated based on technical doubts alone.