Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has officially announced the timeline for the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) elections, scheduled to take place on January 11, 2026. During the election period, inspectors will be deployed to monitor vote canvassers, with the aim of curbing vote-buying activities.
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Phasakon Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the ECT, detailed the election calendar for the SAO council members and presidents during a briefing for the media. The current terms for SAO members and presidents will conclude on November 27, 2025. Subsequently, on November 29, 2025, the SAO Election Director will formally announce the election. Candidates will have the opportunity to submit their applications from December 1-5, 2025, with the official list of candidates to be revealed on December 12, 2025. Voter registration modifications will be permitted from January 4-10, 2026, and again from January 12-18, 2026. Election Day is set for January 11, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin Noi Lek, another Deputy Secretary-General of the ECT, provided an overview of the investigative and inquiry processes designed to ensure fair elections. He outlined the role of election inspectors, who, along with intelligence teams, will closely follow candidates and campaign staff during the day to monitor their activities. Nighttime operations will include setting up checkpoints with local volunteers and coordinating with police for searches of suspicious locations. The ECT is also prioritizing education to discourage vote-buying, a persistent issue that requires both public awareness and legal enforcement.
Mr. Kritsada Charoen-in, also a Deputy Secretary-General of the ECT, reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting honest and fair elections. He highlighted that complaints often accompany elections, necessitating robust public relations efforts to inform the public about their rights and the legal boundaries within the electoral process. This effort is particularly important given the simultaneous occurrence of the election and a referendum.
Mr. Kriangkrai Pandokmai, another Deputy Secretary-General, shared statistics on political party activities. The Palang Pracharath Party was noted for receiving the most donations, while the Democrat Party had the most branches. The Bhumjaithai Party led in provincial representation, and the Kla Tham Party had the largest membership. Additionally, he introduced the ECT’s online platform for accessing detailed political party activities, available at party.ect.go.th.