Police Secure Advance Voting, Ban Alcohol Sales for 24 Hours

Thairath•Society•221d ago

Reader Briefing

Thai police are enhancing security and traffic management for the upcoming advance voting day, while enforcing a strict 24-hour ban on alcohol sales to ensure a smooth electoral process.

•The Royal Thai Police are prepared to manage safety and traffic for advance voting nationwide on February 1, 2026.
•A 24-hour prohibition on alcohol sales and distribution will be enforced from January 31 to February 1, 2026.
•Traffic management in Bangkok is a priority, with over 844,000 registered for advance voting.
•Police officers are instructed to remain politically neutral during all election-related duties.

Overview

•On Jan 31, 2026, the National Police Agency announced preparations for advance voting.
•Pol. Gen. Samran Nuam-ard stated the police are ready to ensure security and traffic flow for advance voting.
•Pol. Gen. Kittirath Phanpetch, the Commissioner-General of the Police, has ordered full security measures for the advance election.
•Selling, distributing, or organizing events with alcoholic beverages is prohibited from 6:00 PM Jan 31, 2026, to 6:00 PM Feb 1, 2026.
•Over 844,000 individuals are registered for advance voting in Bangkok across 50 districts.
•Citizens are urged to stagger their arrival at polling stations to prevent congestion, especially in Bangkok.
•Advance voting is scheduled to take place on Feb 1, 2026.
•The alcohol ban is in place to maintain peace and order during the election, with violations carrying penalties.

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Key Quotes

Pol. Gen. Samran Nuam-ard

"Selling, distributing, or hosting with any kind of alcoholic beverages is prohibited."

ห้ามขาย จ่ายแจก จัดเลี้ยง สุราและเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์ทุกชนิด

Key Entities

Organization

Royal Thai Police(สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ)ℹ️

The national law enforcement agency responsible for security and traffic management during the advance election.

Election Commission(คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง)ℹ️

The independent agency responsible for overseeing elections in Thailand.

Election Security and Order Maintenance Center, Royal Thai Police(ศูนย์รักษาความปลอดภัยและความสงบเรียบร้อยการจัดการเลือกตั้ง สำนักงานตำรวจแห่งชาติ)

A specialized center within the Royal Thai Police tasked with ensuring security and order during elections.

Person

Pol. Gen. Samran Nuam-ard(พล.ต.อ.สำราญ นวลมา)

Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, in charge of security, and Director of the Election Security and Order Maintenance Center.

Pol. Gen. Kittirath Phanpetch(พล.ต.อ.กิตติ์รัฐ พันธุ์เพ็ชร์)

Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, who has issued directives for election security.

Place

Bangkok(กรุงเทพมหานคร)ℹ️

The capital city of Thailand, where a significant number of advance voters are registered.

Law

Election Law(กฎหมายเลือกตั้ง)

The legal framework governing the electoral process in Thailand, including penalties for violations.