Ahead of the 2026 elections, which will coincide with the constitutional referendum, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has been urged to revoke its regulations that require voters to identify themselves twice at the same polling station for the elections and referendum, given that the redundant process could cause confusion.

On Thursday (15 January), lawyer Thanu Rungrotreungchai filed a petition with the Central Administrative Court, requesting the court to revoke the ECT’s regulations governing the voting procedure in the upcoming elections and constitutional referendum.

The general election is scheduled for 8 February. The constitutional referendum, asking whether Thai people agree with drafting a new constitution, will also take place on the same day. Even though the polling booths for elections and referendum are arranged in the same area, the ECT requires voters to identify themselves twice to receive the two ballots to cast their votes in separate booths.

A mock polling station arranged by the ECT the polling station had a single entrance and exit. Voters were required first to identify themselves to cast their ballots for the general election (with separate ballot papers for party list and constituency MPs), and then to identify themselves a second time to receive the referendum ballots.

ECT regulations also require voters to cast their ballots in the election before voting in the referendum.

The lawyer argued that according to the Constitution, the ECT is responsible for facilitating electoral processes and making them convenient for the public, adding that the current regulations are so complicated that they could create a burden for voters, with the risk that those who misunderstand the entire process could inadvertently give up their rights.

Those who registered for advance voting in the general election, which takes place on 1 February, will have to vote again on 8 February on the constitutional referendum. Eligible voters living abroad will receive both ballots at the same time by mail, and are required return them to the Thai embassies in their countries by January 27.