Polling stations across the island reported an orderly and steady flow of voters from early morning, with advance voting opening at 7:30am. The highest numbers of registered advance voters were in Constituency 1 (18,114 people), followed by Constituency 3 (13,297) and Constituency 2 (10,112), with a further 86 registered voters with disabilities.
Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn cast his advance vote in Constituency 1 at 8am at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation head office at the old Provincial Hall. He said advance voting had attracted strong interest, particularly from residents whose registered addresses are in other provinces but who live and work in Phuket.
“The atmosphere today has been lively and encouraging. Many people who work in Phuket but are registered elsewhere have come out to vote,” Mr Nirat said, adding that he expects voter turnout to be even higher on election day this Sunday.
The governor urged voters to make their choices independently and with the public interest in mind.
“Think for yourself, choose for yourself, decide for yourself. Prioritise the best interests of Phuket and the nation, and then make your decision,” he said.
He added that election campaigning in Phuket has remained within the legal framework, with the Election Commission and security agencies closely monitoring the situation to ensure the vote proceeds smoothly, honestly and transparently. Voters were also encouraged to familiarise themselves with ballot formats and voting procedures to avoid making mistakes.
A total of 81 polling stations were set up for advance voting outside voters’ home constituencies, comprising 36 in Constituency 1, 20 in Constituency 2, 24 in Constituency 3, and one polling station for people with disabilities.
Separately, Thalang District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, who is also chairman of the Election Commission for Constituency 3, inspected advance voting units in his constituency at 9am, accompanied by Pol Col Phatsakorn Sonthikun, Deputy Commander of Phuket Provincial Police, election officials and inspectors.
Mr Siwat said the voting atmosphere in Constituency 3 was orderly, with voters arriving continuously from the time polls opened. He encouraged election officials to carry out their duties honestly, fairly and transparently, and instructed them to closely monitor and report any potential election law violations.
Authorities said campaigning across the province remains within legal limits, with election officials and security agencies continuing to monitor the situation ahead of election day.
The national election on Sunday will invoke a ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol sales from 6pm Saturday (Feb 7) until 6pm Sunday (Feb 8), in accordance with Section 147 of the Election Act B.E. 2561 (2018), which prohibits the sale, distribution, or provision of alcoholic beverages within polling areas during election periods.
Local authorities have issued public announcements reminding businesses and residents that selling, serving, distributing or giving away alcohol during the restricted period is an offence. Violators face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B10,000, or both.