Bangkok: The Election Commission reminds that February 15th is the last day to report why you did not vote in the election. The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) urged eligible voters who failed to participate in the parliamentary and referendum elections held on February 8, 2026, to explain their absence by February 15, 2026. This deadline also applies to those who registered for advance voting outside their district on February 1 but did not cast their votes.
According to Thai News Agency, voters can report their reasons for not voting through three main channels: electronically via the Election Commission's website, the Department of Provincial Administration website, the "Thang Rat" application, the Smart Vote application, or by searching for "Report Parliamentary Election Incident" or "Report Referendum Voting Incident" on mobile or computer. Alternatively, they can submit their reasons in person to the district registrar or local registrar with supporting documents, or send their reasons by registered mail. Voters may also authorize another person to submit on their behalf with the necessary documentation.
Failure to report a valid reason for not voting will result in a restriction of voting rights for two years, as stipulated by Section 35 of the 2018 Act on the Election of Members of Parliament. This restriction includes the inability to submit a petition to object to the election of House of Representatives members, apply for election to various political positions, or hold political or advisory roles in local government organizations.
The period of restriction begins from the date of the election in which the voter did not participate. If the voter fails to vote in a subsequent election, the restriction period will reset from that new date, though any remaining restriction time from the previous election will expire.