The Election Commission has approved influencers, YouTubers, content creators, and online media figures to run for Member of Parliament, stating they do not fall under the prohibited characteristics related to media ownership. The commission also warned election candidates to be careful about making defamatory speeches containing falsehoods during campaigns, as this is prohibited and punishable.
At 1:30 p.m. on 23 December 2025 GMT+7, the Office of the Election Commission held a press briefing. Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin Noilek, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, explained the precautions for media coverage of the 2026 parliamentary election. He stated that lawful campaigning involves selling ideas, policies, and personal credibility without financial transactions, which is considered genuine campaigning. He also prohibited media from conducting opinion polls with dishonest intent that could influence voters’ decisions, warning that such actions violate Section 72 of the 2018 Election of Members of the House of Representatives Act. Additionally, the release of poll results is banned during the seven days before election day until the polls close.
Regarding acts that undermine the election process and tools, such as damaging ballots, directly or covertly destroying the election's intent, restricting election freedom, or bribery, intimidation, and election-related gambling, these are considered election offenses. The Election Commission will issue further regulations and details defining these offenses.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Chanin also addressed promises involving money, assets, or other benefits, urging candidates to be cautious about charitable donations made in envelopes, campaigning through organizing entertainment events, or inducing voters by promising or hosting parties. A major concern is defamatory speeches containing falsehoods. The media must exercise caution and avoid becoming tools for political parties. He emphasized prohibited characteristics including drug addiction, bankruptcy or prior fraudulent bankruptcy, and ownership or shareholding in newspaper or media businesses.
Regarding professionals such as influencers, YouTubers, content creators, and online media who produce entertainment content or publicly communicate political analyses and receive income from companies or application service providers, they are considered media users only. They do not qualify as owners or shareholders of newspapers or media businesses, which are prohibited characteristics for election candidates. Therefore, they are eligible to run for office.