Phayao ballot tampering probed after election official allegedly slipped 7 votes into box during lunch break

2026-02-08 - 09:36

PHAYAO — 8 February 2026, At a polling station in Phayao, election officials are investigating an alleged case of ballot tampering after seven ballots were secretly deposited during a lunch break, officials said today. At about 12:00 on 8 February 2026, election workers at Polling Station No. 6 in Village 4, Tha Wang Thong Sub-district, Mueang Phayao District reported an unusual incident. One of the polling officials is accused of placing seven ballots into the ballot box without authorisation during a lunch break. The irregularity was detected by the station’s committee, which immediately informed the Election Commission and contacted police to begin an official inquiry. Investigators are now gathering evidence as part of legal procedures. Officials did not provide further details but stressed that the process must remain transparent and fair to maintain public confidence in the election. If the allegation is proven, the individual could face criminal penalties, including imprisonment and disenfranchisement under Thai election law.