More than 2,400 communities global electing leaders and ministers
The Election Commission (EC ) expects a 70 % voter turnout for nationwide elections on Sunday for municipal mayors and council members, with major centres such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Pattaya under close watch as competition is expected to be fierce.
Poll staff in 76 provinces have now received ballot boxes and ballot papers, said Pol Lt Col Rapheephong Jiraphattanalak, assistant secretary-general of the payment.
Voting on Sunday will take place in 2,463 communities across the country — 33 places, 213 Muang communities and 2,217 tambons or sub-districts.
A complete of 4,558 individuals are competing for municipal posts in 2,128 towns, while there were 60,515 prospects for 31,218 government votes in 2,462 towns. Elections may be available from 8am to 5pm.
( Bangkok holds its own primaries for governor and council every four times. The second vote will remain held around the middle of 2026. )
A full of 335 communities will include elections for committee members just, said Pol Lt Col Rapheephong. But in tambon Nam Yuen in Ubon Ratchathani, only the president ’s desk is being contested as committee members were elected earlier.
The EC expects a 70 % voter turnout, which would be an improvement from the 60 % turnout in 2021, said Pol Lt Col Rapheephong.
He warned prospects to completely abide by election laws by no campaigning after 6pm on Saturday. Street strategies, social media campaigns or promotion via various electrical streams are not allowed on the day of poll day and on Sunday.
Violators may face a prison term of up to six months and/or a fine of up to 10,000 ringgit. Those who obstruct citizens from exercising their rights may face a prison term of up to five years and/or a fine of up to 100,000 ringgit and reduce their voting freedom for 10 times.
As well, businesses or bosses who prohibit their people or employees from exercising their voting rights can be jailed for up to 2 times and/or a fined up to 40,000 ringgit.
Thus far, the EC has received 338 concerns about election violations, including vote-buying. The committee has now completed its inquiries into seven problems while the majority are being considered by municipal sections.
Pol Lt Col Rapheephong said opposition was expected to be harsh in big towns such as Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Pattaya. ( Story continues below )
Ballot boxes and other election materials are prepared for delivery to poll workers at the Khon Kaen railway station on Saturday. ( Photo: Chakkrapan Natanri )
Alcohol ban
In Hua Hin municipality, which was officially upgraded from a town to a city in March, campaign activity has been lively with three well-known figures running for mayor and 24 council seats also in play.
The question on many voters ’ minds, though, was when they could get a drink. Alcohol sales are normally banned from 6pm on election eve until 6pm on election day. However, this year’s election coincides with Visaka Bucha day, when alcohol sales are banned until 11. 59pm.
The government on Friday announced a loosening of restrictions on alcohol sales on religious holidays, but only in selected venues such as international airports, conference centres and hotels in major tourist areas.
According to local media reports, police in Hua Hin said they would be enforcing a 36-hour alcohol ban, from 6pm Saturday to 11. 59pm Sunday.
Khon Kaen ready
In Khon Kaen, ballot boxes, ballots and other materials were distributed to all 118 units from four constituencies in Muang district on Saturday. Poll staff arrived at the Khon Kaen railway station building to receive their materials at 10. 30am.
Witthaya Phuyosarn, the city clerk, said the municipality was 100 % ready for Sunday ’s election, in which there are 78,941 eligible voters.
The weather is a major concern, he said.
“We are worried about storms as heavy rain is forecast between May 10 and 13. All election stations were told to be on full alert for possible flooding, ” he said.
“The municipality has coordinated with the provincial election office to prepare reserve power supplies in case there is blackout. If there is an emergency, an announcement will be issued to temporarily halt the election. ”
If there were power blackouts or worse flooding, the election or vote counts may be temporarily halted, he added.