Picture courtesy of The Nation

 

The Election Commission confirms the February 8 election will go ahead, despite border clashes affecting provinces near Cambodia. Plans include special polling for evacuees.

 

Sawaeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission’s Office, assured the public on Wednesday that elections in provinces along the Cambodian border remain on schedule. The commitment holds despite the recent evacuation of roughly 400,000 residents to shelters due to ongoing conflicts. However, details on how polling will be managed for evacuees remain undecided.

 

Sawaeng acknowledged the challengeorganising elections amid martial law and other security measures, but hes but stressed that solutions will be found. "We may bring voters to polling stations or polling stations to the voters," he remarked, demonstrating flexibility in their approach. The decision comes after the House of Representatives was dissolved on December 12, prompting the Election Commission to confirm the February 8 date. Official scheduling will follow the Royal Gazette announcement.

 

Despite potential escalation in hostilities in these provinces, Sawaeng affirmed that the election date would not be deferred. He assured that the Election Commission is prepared to handle extraordinary situations. Furthermore, the EC is set to scrutinise the feasibility of political party platforms, empowered by a recent royal gazette announcement.

 

Sawaeng stated that they will seek assistance from experts across government agencies to ensure thorough verification of party policies. This check is crucial to uphold election integrity by ensuring that platforms presented to voters are realistic and attainable, reported The Nation.

 

Key Takeaways

• Elections scheduled for February 8 will proceed, despite evacuations.
• The Election Commission plans special polling arrangements for affected areas.
• Verification of political party platforms is underway to ensure feasibility.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-12-18

 

 

 

These border clashes would be a really lame excuse for postponing the election, even by Thai standards.