Phayao ballot tampering probe: official allegedly hired by political party

2026-02-08 - 10:46

PHAYAO — 8 February 2026, The Phayao Provincial Election Commission Office has reported an alleged attempt by a polling station official to cast seven ballot papers at a polling station in Mueang Phayao district. A police complaint has been filed at Mueang Phayao Police Station. Officials stressed that no ballots were ultimately placed into the ballot box, as the incident was detected in time by the presiding polling officer. According to preliminary information, the polling station official involved told authorities they had been hired by a political party to carry out the act, while the presiding officer had not been approached, prompting suspicion. Authorities believe similar incidents may have occurred at other polling stations, and an investigation is under way. According to investigators, the incident took place in Constituency 1, Polling Station No. 6, Village No. 4, Tha Wang Thong subdistrict, Mueang Phayao district. The polling station official allegedly impersonated eligible voters, tore up seven ballot papers, entered the voting booth and marked the ballots. As the official was about to insert the ballots into the ballot box, the presiding polling officer intervened and detained the individual. The suspect was taken to the local police station for legal proceedings, with evidence including an envelope containing cash. The polling station official reportedly admitted to the act and stated that it had been carried out in exchange for payment from a political party. This article is an update to our earlier report found here