Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has issued a directive for political parties and candidates intending to send representatives to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. The ECT emphasized the necessity for these parties to notify them by January 23rd and adhere strictly to the commission's announcements.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement pertains to the general election day scheduled for February 8, 2026, for members of the House of Representatives, alongside the advance voting set for February 1, 2026. Political parties fielding candidates are required to appoint representatives to observe the voting and vote counting processes at various polling and ballot counting locations. These appointments must be submitted via a formal letter to the Election Commission of their respective constituency no later than 15 days before the election date, using form S.S. 2/10.
The ECT specified that each polling station, central polling station, or ballot counting location will have only one appointed representative. These representatives must remain in their designated areas, observing the proceedings without engaging in any verbal altercations or recording activities with officials or voters. They are required to follow all instructions given by the officials present.
In the event of a violation, the relevant committee has the authority to issue a warning. Should the violation persist, the committee can order the representative to leave the premises, with security personnel ensuring compliance. All incidents will be documented in the polling station's report.