Thai Ballot Controversy Casts Shadow Over Government Formation

Thailand’s election agency is facing allegations of ballot traceability in the Feb. 8 election, with growing calls from activists and politicians for the vote to be annulled potentially delaying the formation of a new government.

Civil society groups, academics, and voters have raised concerns about the secrecy of the poll because of the presence of unique QR and bar codes printed on ballot papers. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s ruling conservative Bhumjaithai party secured a surprise victory in the vote and is in talks with other parties to form a coalition.