Low Turnout: Border Residents in Chanthaburi Trickle in to Vote, Urge New Government to Resolve Thai-Cambodian Tensions

On February 8, 2026, reporters documented the election atmosphere at Polling Unit 2 at Khlong Ta Khong Temple in Pong Nam Ron District, Chanthaburi Province. Despite election officials being fully prepared, the mood was notably subdued. Residents arrived with calm expressions amid ongoing border tension, which remains a primary concern. Most residents viewed this election in terms of 'life security'. Local merchants expressed that their greatest worry was not politics, but border instability directly affecting their daily lives and economic activities. Sassithorn Karaphak, a local grilled pork vendor, rushed to vote hoping for clear changes, especially in managing international conflicts eroding local economic conditions. She stated, 'We don't just want new leadership, we want leaders who can stop conflicts. Right now, villagers live in constant fear, uncertain when tensions might escalate into full-scale war.' Overall, the border voting reflected how security concerns and war threats overshadowed election enthusiasm, with citizens pinning their final hopes on the ballot, expecting the new government to prioritize conflict resolution.