BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Consulate-General in Sydney has completed the overseas referendum ballot count and thanks Thai citizens abroad for their strong participation.
Waraphannee Damrongmanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Consular Affairs, and Naruchai Ninnad, Consul-General of Thailand in Sydney, observed the ballot counting at the overseas polling station at Metro Hotel Marlow in New South Wales, Australia.
A total of 10,829 voters registered to participate in the overseas referendum. Ballot counting began at 10 A.M. local time, four hours ahead of Thailand, and concluded by 3 P.M. Seven teams processed 9,209 ballots submitted via mobile voting units and postal voting.
The Consul-General expressed appreciation for the strong civic participation of Thai nationals in Australia. He stated that the Consulate-General adhered to Election Commission regulations to ensure transparency and proper procedures, and conducted outreach through official channels and community engagement in Thai Town.
He noted that overseas voting continues to face logistical challenges, especially with postal delivery as participation increases. The Consulate-General will compile feedback and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Election Commission, including a review of registration procedures and consideration of pilot I-voting for future referendums.
The Sydney referendum count was livestreamed on the Consulate-General’s YouTube channel, allowing public observation and objections in accordance with established rules. Results will be reported through the Overseas Voting Monitoring System and officially forwarded to authorities in Thailand. (NNT)
