The Election Commission (EC) has released criteria for examining populist policies that political parties plan to use in campaigns, requiring notification at least 20 days before voting. It has appointed experts in economics, finance, and public policy to sit on a review committee empowered to summon political parties for explanations.
On 17 December 2025 GMT+7, the Royal Gazette website published the announcement.The Election Commission's announcement regarding the criteria and procedures for scrutinizing party expenditure policies used in campaign advertisements, B.E. 2568 (2025).Known as “populist policies,” the announcement was signed by EC Chairman Narong Klanwarin on 16 December. Key points include requirements for parties to consider views from party branches and provincial representatives when formulating policies for campaigning. Parties must specify the budget, funding sources, cost-effectiveness, benefits, impacts, and risks of the policies, as mandated by Section 57 of the Political Parties Act 2017 (B.E. 2560). Additionally, parties must report these policies to the EC at least 20 days before the election.
The announcement also allows the EC to establish a review committee comprising members with expertise in finance, public policy, and macroeconomics. This committee is responsible for examining party policies, requesting supporting documents, and requiring parties to provide explanations. If parties fail to fully comply, the committee may recommend that the EC order the parties to complete or correct their policies within a specified timeframe. After review, the committee can offer comments or observations on party policies to assist the EC's consideration. Upon receiving the report, the EC must promptly finalize its review and publish the results for public awareness.
Moreover, the attached form that parties must complete for submission to the EC specifies that candidates' and parties' campaigns must not contradict the party's official policy under Section 74 of the Political Parties Act 2017 (B.E. 2560). The penalties section states that if a party fails to provide complete information, the EC will order them to do so within a set period. Failure to comply will result in a fine of up to 500,000 baht, plus a daily fine of 10,000 baht until corrected, as stipulated in Section 121 of the same law.