Pattaya News – Voter Turnout Soars at Polling Stations in Pattaya for MP Election and Constitutional Referendum

Pattaya-

Large crowds of residents began queuing at polling stations as early as the opening hour on February 8th, 2026, creating a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere during the general election for Members of Parliament and the national referendum on the draft constitution in Pattaya.

At polling stations 6 through 9 (four units total) in Constituency 8, located under the school building at Pattaya City School 2, voters arrived in steady streams right after the polls officially opened at 8:00 a.m. The turnout was described as strong, with long lines forming quickly.

A touching moment occurred at polling station No. 6 in Constituency 8. Immediately after officials formally opened the ballot boxes at 8:00 a.m., Mr. Samroeng Kiatpiriya, an 85-year-old man affectionately known as “Grandpa Samroeng,” became the first voter to enter the booth and cast his ballot. Speaking to reporters afterward, he expressed his joy at being able to vote once again.

“I’m very happy to come out and vote again in my life,” he said. “I’ve never missed a single election, and this time I have high hopes that a good person will enter parliament and that the political party I admire most will be the one to lead and govern the country.”

While the overall mood was positive, some voters voiced concerns about practical issues at the polling site. Several noted that the signs marking the polling stations were too small, making it difficult for people to locate their assigned unit. Additionally, the nearly 200-meter walk from the main road to the voting area posed challenges, particularly for elderly people and those with disabilities.

One example was 83-year-old Mrs. Thassanee Anusit, who has health issues and relies on a walking stick. It took her almost 20 minutes to reach her polling station. Upon arrival, she needed to rest before proceeding. Police officers stationed at the unit assisted her, providing support and escorting her into the voting booth to cast her ballot.

Meanwhile, at the multipurpose building in Bang Lamung district, which served as the designated location for advance voters and out-of-constituency voters who registered on February 1st, long queues formed from the early morning. Many of those waiting were residents originally from other provinces who now live and work in Chonburi, turning out in large numbers to participate in both the general election and the referendum.

Voting for the House of Representatives election and the constitutional referendum continued until 5:00 p.m., with election officials and community leaders encouraging all eligible citizens to come out and make their voices heard in this important democratic process.