In a 26 April 2023 Thairath Online report, a Thai national residing in northern Germany revealed an abnormality in the overseas voting process. They said that they received an envelope containing two ballot papers, and another envelope for sending the papers back to Thailand. They found that a flap on the first envelope was torn off before it was sent to Germany. They added that another 3 voters in the same house had the same experience.

The torn-off envelope and unusual postal code 

(Photo from Thairath Online)

They discovered a mistake with the second envelope as well. The postal code did not match their actual address in Thailand. While their address is in Nonthaburi Province, the postal code on the envelope is 12003, which does not even exist in Thailand’s postal system. They stated that friends in other cities also faced the same mistake. 

They said that after casting their ballots, overseas voters are required to send the envelopes containing the ballot papers back to the Royal Thai Embassy for verification prior to sending them to Thailand. Although the envelope was not opened, their family are concerned about transparency. And they fear that the ballot papers may be sent elsewhere instead of to their hometown. They urged Office of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) and relevant agencies to clarify the issue.

A press release from the Office of the Election Commission 

In response, the ECT explained that for convenience, Thailand Post normally has its own postal code system to sort and deliver parcels to destinations. For advanced voting, the Commission will recheck that 2 ballot papers are included. The envelopes will be signed and addressed to voters’ hometowns in Thailand. However, The ECT insisted that it adheres to the law, maintaining principles of honesty, transparency, justice, and legitimacy.