At 17:30 hrs. Mr.Tharit Pengdit, Director-General, the Department of Special Investigations, briefed the press on the outcome of the general elections conducted earlier in the day, gist as follows:

It is the direct obligation of the Election Commission to conduct the general elections. The CMPO and the government can only render support to maintain peace and order.

Due to the ongoing situation in Bangkok and metropolitan areas, it is necessary to continue to apply the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations, for public peace and security.

Coordination of work among various agencies and cooperation from the public resulted in the successful elections today, while a number of incidents occurred in several places, including Lak Si intersection.

Today, 68 provinces and 89.1% of constituents successfully cast their ballots.

There were several reports of officials at several polling stations attempting not to conduct elections, including by last minute resignation. The CMPO has requested police officials concerned to investigate and take appropriate legal action.

Regarding a shoot-out at Lak Si intersection on Saturday which left six people injured, the police have been collecting evidence and working toward a request for court approval for arrest warrants against the armed men involved in the shooting.