Bangkok: Encouraging Bangkok residents to head to the polls before it rains, all polling stations for the Bangkok election are open. Bangkok residents are urged to go to the polls before it rains. At 9:45 AM in the Rattanakosin Room at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), Mr. Thanit Tanbuakli, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, held a press conference to provide an overview of the opening of polling stations for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) and Bangkok Governor elections. He stated that the overall election management proceeded smoothly, with all 6,628 polling stations in 50 districts opening simultaneously at 8:00 AM as required by law.
According to Thai News Agency, the delivery of election materials to polling station committees was completed efficiently. Two districts, Taling Chan District Office and Bang Khen District Office, were the first to complete the process at 4:13 AM, while the last district finished at 6:09 AM. Consequently, all polling stations were ready before voting commenced.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration encourages eligible voters to exercise their right to vote, particularly in the morning, as the weather is expected to be more convenient than in the afternoon. The weather forecast predicts rain in the afternoon, starting from approximately 4:00 PM, especially affecting northern and eastern Bangkok, including districts such as Sai Mai, Don Mueang, Bang Khen, Min Buri, Nong Chok, and surrounding areas. Voters traveling in the afternoon are advised to bring an umbrella or raincoat.
For those experiencing lost or damaged identification cards, the registration departments of all 50 district offices are open until 5:00 PM to provide replacement cards and facilitate voting.
During a visit to polling station 73 in Bang Sue district this morning, a large turnout of voters was observed. The atmosphere was lively, and polling stations provided convenient facilities for voters, particularly the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable groups, such as wheelchairs and assistance staff. Initial observations suggest a higher voter turnout than in the elections four years ago, indicating increased public interest and awareness.
Regarding the reporting of vote results, after the polls close at 5:00 PM, each polling station will begin counting votes immediately. Stations with approximately 400 voters are expected to take about 1 hour to count the votes, while those with more than 600 voters may take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. Results will be reported continuously after 8:00 PM, with an estimated 70-80% of votes counted and reported by approximately 10:00 PM.
Voters are advised to check their voter registration list, polling station, and ballot number before traveling to the polling station. This can be done via the "Bangkok Election 69" website, which provides polling station information, maps, and Google Maps navigation. Information can also be checked through the Election Commission of Thailand (EC) application and the "Thang Rat" application for added convenience before casting their vote.