3 agencies develop online system for eligible voters to register for their voting right overseas

BANGKOK, Oct 23 (TNA) -- The Election Commission (EC), the Department of Provincial Administration and the Department of Consular Affairs jointly develop the system to allow Thai people living abroad to register for their voting right. The system that the three agencies already officially agree to implement will provide conveniences and reduce administrative costs. The online registration will start within Dec 15 and continue until 30 days before the next general election, expected in 2017. Election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn said the new system would be another solution for eligible voters living abroad to register for their voting, check their voting right and report the relocation of their residences. The system would enable quick registration and save time and expenses for Thai people living in other countries, he said. “The system will open for the registration within Dec 15. Then people will be advised on the usage and the registration will continue until 30 days before the next general election likely in 2017,” Mr Somchai said. About 1 million Thai people live abroad. In the past only 150,000 of them registered for their voting right and 70,000 turned out to exercise their right, Mr Somchai said. “In the past, the organization of polls in other countries cost about 70 million baht. Of it, about 50 million baht was paid for general administrative affairs. The service for each voter cost 10,000-15,000 baht. That did not include the travel expense of voters,” Mr Somchai said. (TNA)