The Election Commission (EC) on Friday reported a 74.5% voter turnout in the nationwide local elections for chiefs and members of tambon administrative organisations (TAO) last Sunday.
According to an unofficial count, more than 20.4 million out of 27.3 million voters cast ballots in the Nov 28 local polls, accounting for 74.58% of the total number eligible.
The elections were held at 60,414 stations nationwide to choose 5,172 chiefs and 55,197 members -- the first time both ballots have been held on the same day.
Six southern provinces were in the top 10 as ranked by the turnout proportion.
Phatthalung recorded the highest turnout of 84.97%, followed by Trang (83.38%), Surat Thani (83.26%), Songkhla (82.76%), Phetchaburi (82.60%), Saraburi (82.55%), Nakhon Nayok (82%), Krabi (81.98%), Satun (81.89%) and Lamphun (80.88%).
According to the EC, the results of the TAO polls must be announced within 30 days or by Dec 28 if no irregularities are detected. In the event of suspected poll fraud, officials will report the findings of any probe within 60 days.
The agency called on those who did not vote to clarify their reasons why by Dec 5 either in person, online or by mail, or risk legal action.