Border Soldiers in Trat Enthusiastically Cast Early Voting Ballots!

On February 1st, 2024, at the Trat Provincial Administrative Organization Assembly Hall, used as an early voting location for parliamentary representatives, people from various sectors including civil servants, private employees, and military personnel continuously arrived to cast their votes before the polling stations opened. The Election Commission divided the voting area into 8 voting units, with 3,333 people voting early outside their district and 65 people voting within their district. The highlight of the day was a group of marine soldiers and naval personnel who were on border defense missions in Trat province during the "Trat Enemy Suppression" operation in December 2023. Due to their critical missions, they were unable to return to their home districts to vote on the actual election day of February 8th, 2024. A representative military officer (who remained anonymous) revealed that although the border situation remains normal, their continuous surveillance missions require personnel to take turns voting throughout the day. Soldiers with permanent residency in Trat will have another group designated to vote on the actual election day. In addition to official staff, scout volunteers from the Election Commission and military student volunteers were assisting, checking voter lists, and providing guidance, ensuring a smooth and orderly voting process. Kriengsak Panyapongtherm, the Trat District Chief, noted that the early voting atmosphere was vibrant, with 3,333 total registered voters both inside and outside the district, and no problems reported. The Trat Election Commission expressed high satisfaction with voter turnout and is confident that Trat residents will turn out in large numbers on the actual election day, with preparations also complete for the constitutional referendum vote.