Bangkok: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to deliver real-time updates on the results of the Bangkok gubernatorial and Bangkok City Council elections. According to Thai News Agency, the BMA has established Bangkok City Hall as the central coordination hub for these elections, with polling stations 2 and 3 situated right in front of the hall in Sao Chingcha Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon District. Voters are arriving to cast their ballots despite the hot weather, with parking available in the city hall plaza. Many voters have expressed urgency in voting early to avoid potential evening rain.
The BMA reported smooth operations at polling stations across all 50 constituencies, with a total of 6,628 polling units open. Notably, voter turnout appears to be higher than in the elections held four years ago. The administration is urging eligible voters to cast their ballots before late afternoon, as rain is forecasted in several districts including Sai Mai, Don Mueang, Bang Khen, and parts of Min Buri, Nong Chok, and Saphan Sung, which may impact voting.
At 4:30 PM, Mr. Narong Ruangsri, Permanent Secretary of BMA, along with BMA executives, will guide the media to observe the closing of the polls and the vote counting at the polling stations in front of City Hall plaza. They will then provide a briefing on the overall voting situation at all polling stations.
The Bangkok Election Coordination Center is primed to gather documents and process votes from all stations before informing the Bangkok Election Director. Post 5:00 PM, election officials will commence the simultaneous counting of votes for both the gubernatorial and city council elections. Results will be displayed at the polling stations for public review. The documents will undergo verification before results are uploaded to the online system.
Citizens are invited to follow the unofficial vote counts in real-time via score display screens in front of City Hall (Sao Chingcha) or through the "Bangkok Election 69" website. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. The BMA anticipates having approximately 80% of the unofficial vote count for both the Bangkok Metropolitan Council members and the Governor by 10:00 PM.