The Election Commission (EC) has rejected protesters’ petition for a recount in Chon Buri’s constituency 1, finding no credible evidence of electoral misconduct or errors in the vote count.
At a briefing on Thursday evening, EC chairman Narong Klanwarin, secretary-general Sawaeng Boonmee and deputy secretaries Khanchit Charoen-in and acting Sub Lt Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn said they had reviewed all complaints, witness statements and related evidence.
They found no indication the election in Chon Buri’s constituency 1 was conducted dishonestly or that the tally was flawed. Under Section 124 of the 2018 Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Article 223 of EC regulations, the case has been dismissed.
Unofficial results show Suchart Chomklin, a candidate from the election-winning Bhumjaithai Party, defeated his People’s Party rival by more than 3,700 votes.
Crowd confusion led to complaints
Acting Sub Lt Phasakorn said the unrest began with a misunderstanding among observers during the consolidation of ballot boxes, which later escalated into demands for a recount. In response, the EC sent investigators to collect statements from observers and others involved to ensure a fair review.
What the EC found
Mr Khanchit expanded on findings from 10 complainants, saying several allegations lacked substance.
In the case of a reported power outage during the ballot count, six complainants admitted they had not witnessed the incident, while a circulated video showing “lights out but fans still spinning” was verified as taken in Nonthaburi province, not Chon Buri.
Concerning alleged mismatches between voter turnout and ballot counts, complainants could not identify any specific polling stations affected, and checks at more than 160 stations found no objections by party representatives or the public during counting.
Many people gather in Chon Buri province on Tuesday, demanding that the Election Commission inspect ballot boxes from Constituency 1 amid concerns about the vote count and the handling of the boxes. (Photo: Chonburi Public Relations Office)
Regarding claims that some ballot boxes lacked cable ties and that official documents were found in a bin, the EC found the district director had moved storage from a community hall to a municipal badminton hall due to space limits. When consolidation was about 90% complete, a crowd gathered and some observers misunderstood what they saw.
The gymnasium had no rubbish bins. The documents were materials awaiting organised storage, and cable straps found in a box were spare straps kept for emergencies.
Mr Khanchit confirmed the transfer of election materials over a 500‑metre distance had followed established procedures.
No basis for a recount
After reviewing all evidence, the EC concluded there was no reliable basis to believe the election or the vote count in constituency 1 had been compromised. The commission therefore resolved that no recount would take place.
Mr Narong said the seven commissioners spent more than five hours scrutinising the matter to ensure the accuracy of the count and consolidated results.
"None of the commissioners would risk their reputations and honour by engaging in any form of corruption, nor do they have any reason to," Mr Narong stressed.
The EC chief urged the public to have confidence that the election was conducted fairly and transparently.
