A draft election management plan had been submitted for consideration and was approved yesterday (Dec 15), according to the EC announcement.
Under the official schedule, Feb 8, 2026, is designated as the general election day for Members of House of Representatives (Mps), reports the Bangkok Post.
The advance voting day, both in- and out-of-constituency, will take place on Feb 1, as well as voting at polling stations for citizens with disabilities or the elderly.
For constituency MP candidates, the registration period is set from Dec 27-31, 2025, at locations announced by each constituency’s election director.
For party-list MP candidates - limited to parties that have fielded constituency candidates - and prime ministerial candidate lists from each party, the registration period is between Dec 28 and 31. The submitting location is at the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel and Convention Centre on Chaeng Watthana Road, Lak Si district of Bangkok.
Voters who want to cast ballots in advance, including inside and outside their constituency or overseas, may register between Dec 20 and Jan 5.
Those unable to vote on the scheduled date may file a notification between Feb 1 and 7 and Feb 9 and 15.
The full announcement will be published in the Royal Gazette accordingly, the EC said.
The upcoming election followed the Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s announcement to return the power to the people on the night of Dec 11, coinciding with the joint sitting of parliament voting on a condition for the passage of a constitutional amendment bill.
The Royal Gazette published a royal decree announcing the dissolution on Dec 12.
Anutin says his party is ready to lead
Meanwhile, Anutin, in his role as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), has announced that the party is prepared to become the country’s leading political force in the upcoming election.
Anutin, also the interior minister, said yesterday his party is ready to lead the government after the next election during an interview with renowned news anchor Sorayuth Suthassanachinda on the online programme Kammakorn Khao.
Anutin was asked which party, between Pheu Thai and the People’s Party (PP), could the BJT form a coalition with if it comes in first or second place in the next election. He said that it is too early to tell, as there were many things to consider.
Asked whether relationships play a part in forming a government, Anutin said that if all sides separate personal matters from politics, there should be no problem working together and that if national interest is prioritised, cooperation is always possible.
He noted that in the past, he had been close to former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, yet he still ended up leaving the government.
Anutin said it is impossible to predict what comes next because no one knows how many seats each party will eventually win.
He also said that the BJT is far more prepared than before, both in terms of personnel and policy. The party used to see itself as a medium-sized party, but now it aims to be the “number one party”.
Many capable individuals from different sectors have joined the party, strengthening its position, he said.
He stressed that this confidence does not come from being in government and enjoying advantages, but from demonstrating to the public that the party can work effectively.
He also highlighted that the party has efficient teams in economic policy and foreign affairs.
Anutin was asked whether his role leading the government plays a part in pushing his party “on an escalator” to lead another government in the future. He replied, “Something like that.”
He said he believes the party now has personnel with experience, ideals, commitment and ability to govern the country.
He said it is not like he is trying to become the prime minister again, but that anyone in the party who is ready and capable can become the premier.