Avoid Trouble in the Voting Booth: 5 Risky Behaviors That Could Turn Voters into Defendants on Election Day

As the final stretch before election day approaches on Sunday the 8th, the political atmosphere is at its peak. Many people are preparing to return home to exercise their voting rights, getting their pens and ID cards ready.

Besides the "things you must do," there are strict "things you must not do" because election laws are stricter than you might think. Some actions may seem minor, like posting on Facebook or taking photos for stories, but during elections, such behaviors can easily land you in jail, according to Thairath Online.

Here is a summary of 5 important prohibitions to watch out for. Read carefully before stepping into the voting booth.

1. Avoid parties and gambling: "Alcohol and betting" must be paused.

Partygoers and drinkers must remember the first ironclad rule: the sale, distribution, or serving of all types of alcohol is prohibited starting from 6:00 p.m. the day before the election until 6:00 p.m. on election day (Sunday the 8th). Violators face up to 6 months in prison, a fine up to 10,000 baht, or both.

Also, for those who enjoy betting, gambling on election results is strictly forbidden, whether just for fun among friends or seriously. Punishment includes 1 to 5 years imprisonment, a fine between 20,000 and 100,000 baht, revocation of voting rights for 10 years, and disqualification from running for office.

2. Social media must be silent: "No campaigning or sharing polls."

In this digital age where fingers move faster than thoughts, be careful. From 6:00 p.m. the day before the election onward, posting campaign messages, supporting or attacking candidates, or sharing old campaign posts on any social media platform is prohibited. Penalties include up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine up to 10,000 baht, or both.

Additionally, publishing opinion polls about election results within 7 days before election day until the polls close is forbidden, punishable by up to 3 months in prison, a fine up to 6,000 baht, or both.

3. Taking photos of marked ballots is prohibited.

While you might want to keep a memory or show friends that you've voted, the law clearly bans using any media device to photograph ballots after marking them. This is to prevent using the image to verify votes with campaign agents or to disclose voting secrets. Violators face up to 1 year imprisonment, a fine up to 20,000 baht, or both.

4. Most importantly, do not destroy or remove ballots from the booth.

No matter if you marked incorrectly, made a mistake, or are frustrated, do not tear, destroy, or intentionally damage your ballot to invalidate it. If you make a mistake, notify the officials to get a new ballot according to procedures (subject to official discretion). This carries penalties.,of up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine up to 100,000 baht,andrevocation of voting rights for 10 years.

Importantly, do not take the ballot out of the voting area under any circumstance. You cannot keep it as a souvenir.Violators face1 to 5 years imprisonment, a fine between 20,000 and 100,000 baht, or both.andrevocation of voting rights for 10 years.

5. Buying and selling votes is forbidden.

The most serious offense, directly undermining democracy, is soliciting or accepting money or property in exchange for votes, or offering money to influence votes. This carries penalties of 1 to 10 years imprisonment, a fine between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, or both.The social penaltyis revocation of voting rights for up to 20 years, as ordered by the court.

Voting is a great right and duty, but don’t let ignorance jeopardize your future. Check the prohibitions carefully, plan well, and go vote with confidence to help shape the country’s future legally.