The briefing was held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel yesterday (Jan 20), and was chaired by Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam as part of the ‘Provincial Election Commission Office Meets the Media’ initiative.
The event brought together representatives from ECT Phuket, provincial public relations officials and local media organisations, including television, radio, print and online outlets.
ECT Phuket Orapin Achivasuk said the Election Commission’s priority was to ensure the public receives accurate, clear and timely information ahead of both the general election and the referendum.
“The Election Commission has announced Feb 8, 2026, as the date for the election of Members of Parliament and the referendum,” Ms Orapin said. “Our key mission is preparation, particularly through cooperation with local media networks to disseminate correct information to the public.”
Vice Governor Suwit emphasised that the success of the election should be measured not only by voter turnout, but by the quality of voters’ understanding of the process.
“The media is a crucial mechanism linking government information to the public,” he said. “If media organisations work together to promote informed and quality voting, it will help reduce invalid ballots and strengthen public confidence in the election results.”
During the session, Ms Orapin delivered a detailed presentation covering legal frameworks and practical guidelines related to both the election and the referendum. Topics included the Royal Decree dissolving the House of Representatives in 2025, Election Commission regulations, and qualifications for candidates seeking election as Members of Parliament.
Other issues addressed included political party candidate lists under the proportional representation system, party nominations for prime minister, early voting registration at the Phuket Provincial Central Polling Station, and campaign rules for candidates, political parties, political office holders and government agencies.
The presentation also explained the origin and purpose of the referendum, the decision to hold it on the same day as the general election, voting procedures for both ballots, and arrangements for out-of-district, overseas, elderly and disabled voters.
Officials stressed the importance of public education on referendums, noting that many voters are less familiar with the process compared with general elections.