Bangkok – Thailand is preparing for pivotal parliamentary elections and a national referendum on February 8, occurring amidst ongoing political shifts following the 2014 military coup and recent protests calling for democratic reforms. The Election commission has allocated approximately $217 million to oversee the dual polls, a figure reflecting a slightly smaller electorate than in past cycles. Commission officials are addressing logistical challenges and legal scrutiny as they finalize preparations for the vote, which will determine the country’s next government and constitutional direction.
Thailand’s Election Commission has announced a budget of approximately $217 million for upcoming parliamentary elections and a national referendum, scheduled for February 8. The commission cited a decrease in registered voters as a key factor in reducing the number of ballots printed, resulting in cost savings.
According to a statement released Monday, January 22, the Election Commission will print 56.1 million ballots for each of the three voting categories: constituency-based parliamentary seats, party-list parliamentary seats, and the national referendum. This figure is based on a preliminary voter registration count of roughly 52.9 million eligible voters, plus a 5% reserve. The final number of ballots printed has been reduced by 450,000 per category compared to previous elections.
The total budget of $217 million, approved for the 2024 fiscal year, includes $171 million allocated to the Election Commission itself and $45.6 million for 14 supporting agencies. The funds will cover the costs of overseeing and managing both the parliamentary elections and the referendum, which will be held on the same day.
Election officials are currently not reporting significant evidence of vote-buying, but are anticipating increased activity in the final week leading up to the election. Election Commission Secretary-General Sawang Boonmee stated that while reports of potential vote-buying are circulating, concrete evidence remains limited.
“Now it’s more about people talking, but in terms of actual facts, based on our information and past elections, this period doesn’t usually see such activity,” Boonmee said. “It will become more intense in the last week before the election.”
Boonmee also addressed concerns about recent lawsuits challenging the organization of polling stations and voter identification procedures. He stated that the commission is prepared to defend its actions in court, emphasizing that legal challenges are a common occurrence during election cycles. “We are used to being sued every time,” he said. “Citizens exercise their rights, and we defend ourselves accordingly.”
Regarding reports of Thai citizens abroad not receiving complete sets of ballots, Boonmee explained that the situation is still under investigation. He noted that delivery times vary by country and that voters may have registered for different types of ballots, resulting in discrepancies. The commission is also addressing confusion stemming from changes to the voter identification code system, switching from a five-digit to a four-digit format.
The upcoming elections are being closely watched as Thailand navigates a period of political transition, and the Election Commission is working to ensure a fair and transparent process.
