Police Chief Says Election Calm Despite Reported Offences

The national police chief said the overall conduct of the election was orderly after polls closed on 8 February, despite several reported cases of election-related offences. Police had been ordered to tightly secure vote counting centres and the transport of ballot boxes to election authorities, particularly in high-risk areas. Extra security measures were also enforced following unrest in parts of the deep south.

The assessment was given by Pol Gen Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, during a meeting at the National Police Operations Centre in Bangkok. The meeting reviewed nationwide security operations for election day, with senior officers joining both in person and via video link. Pol Gen Kittirat thanked police officers at all levels for maintaining order and ensuring public safety across the country.

Authorities reported seven election-related cases, including ballot destruction, vote-buying and the distribution of alcohol. Some complaints have already been formally filed in certain areas and police have been instructed to investigate swiftly in cooperation with the Election Commission (EC), both at provincial level and in Bangkok. Pol Gen Kittirat said legal action would be taken strictly in line with election and criminal law.

He noted that the most common offence involved torn ballot papers, many of which are believed to stem from misunderstandings rather than deliberate intent. These incidents involved both voters and, in some cases, polling staff assisting voters. Investigations are ongoing to determine the facts in each case.

Vote-buying allegations account for seven cases nationwide, with one case each reported in Police Regions 4, 5, 6 and 7, and three cases in Police Region 8. All are currently under investigation according to procedures set by the EC. Police may conduct preliminary inquiries and must report findings to the EC within 72 hours.

Security remains in place at vote counting locations until full counting is completed, after which ballot boxes will be transported to provincial storage facilities. Police are responsible for security and traffic management throughout the process until the ballot boxes are formally handed over to provincial election officials.

Pol Gen Kittirat also addressed security concerns in Yala province’s Bannang Sata district, where an armed attack targeted a military patrol. He said police in Region 9 have been ordered to work closely with the military, focusing on intelligence gathering, joint operations and contingency planning during ballot transport. He described the attack as an attempt by hostile groups to demonstrate operational capability.

Daily News reported that Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma urged continued vigilance in the post-election period and instructed officers to report any significant developments promptly. The election security command centre will remain operational until 12 February.

Pictures courtesy of Daily News

Key Takeaways

• Police say the election proceeded peacefully nationwide despite reported offences.

• Investigations are under way into cases of ballot damage and alleged vote-buying.

• Security was intensified in southern border provinces during ballot transport.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews 2026-02-09

View full record