Feb 28 • 01:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

Thai General Election: Residents Occupy Counting Stations, Distrust in Transparency 'It's a Democracy Issue'

In Thailand's recent general election, suspicions of electoral fraud have led residents to occupy counting stations, reflecting a broader distrust in the electoral process.

In the recent Thai general election, the ruling conservative party is poised to achieve a significant victory, raising concerns about electoral fraud among voters. Such worries were particularly heightened when the conservative party defied pre-election polls that indicated a potential loss. Events escalated when residents began occupying counting stations to express their distrust, most notably in Chonburi, where voters protested alleged discrepancies in the counting processes. One protester stated, 'We are protecting the votes,' emphasizing that the issue transcends mere party victory and touches upon the integrity of democracy itself.

The situation became critical after media reports on the night of voting revealed that over 300 residents had gathered at a counting station in Pathum Thani, questioning the integrity of the ballot counting, especially as surveillance cameras were reportedly covered. This incident ignited widespread suspicion throughout the country, likening the spread of fears over election fraud to a rapidly spreading fire. Many residents and voters began gathering to halt the processing of ballots, citing improper handling and a failure to maintain proper record-keeping. Their efforts to monitor the ballots drew attention on social media, as supporters brought supplies to help sustain their protests.

Chonburi's counting station is significant as it featured a tightly contested race between the Deputy Prime Minister from the ruling Thai Honor Party and a candidate from the leading opposition party, the Kao Klai Party. Unofficial reports suggest that the Deputy Prime Minister is likely winning, but with a narrow margin that has led to calls for a recount. These events highlight the growing dissatisfaction in Thailand with the ruling conservative elite, especially in the context of reforms that favor conservative powers within the electoral and judicial systems.

📡 Similar Coverage