The Election Commission (EC) has ordered an accelerated crackdown on vote-buying in the parliamentary elections, insisting that offenders must be caught to restore honor and dignity, so the public is not disappointed. It was revealed that 35 political parties participated in expressing their views on the referendum: 18 parties support it, 14 oppose it, and 3 hold special positions. If no consensus is reached, a draw will decide the order before the official debate on 27 Jan 2026.
On 21 Jan 2026 GMT+7 at the Election Commission office, it was reported that on the evening of 20 Jan, Mr. Sa-wang Boonmee, Secretary-General of the EC, sent a message via the EC office's group chat to all EC officials following news about vote-buying in the parliamentary election at 7,500 baht per vote and calls for the EC to act. The Secretary-General stated, “From now on, this will be our main focus. The office's survival depends largely on this issue. Everyone involved must find concrete measures; mere formalities are insufficient. Both central and provincial offices must change their publicity and prevention campaigns. Provinces must have concrete measures for prevention, deterrence, and suppression—catch them for sure. Do not allow such practices or let society be disappointed. The organization’s survival and dignity depend on this. We must intensify our efforts. Our duty is honor.”
Thirty-five political parties have joined in expressing their views on the referendum. If no agreement is reached, a draw will determine the order before the debate on 27 Jan 2026.
Furthermore, the Election Commission office announced that following the EC’s invitation for political parties to express their interest in participating in the referendum opinion forum from 17 to 19 Jan 2026 via the Open Chat group on Line, a total of 35 parties registered. Their stances were as follows: 18 parties in favor, 14 parties opposed, and 3 parties holding views other than simply for or against.
The selection process for representatives to express opinions will include a Zoom Meeting at room 604, 6th floor, EC office, on 23 Jan 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will provide an overview of the referendum opinion forum. The Directors of the Bangkok Election Office and the Office of Political Party Development Fund will host the meeting. The Zoom will split into two main rooms: one for the supportive group and one for the opposing group, each selecting five representatives. The three parties with other views will be handled separately.
If political parties within a group cannot agree on selecting their representatives, the Director of the Bangkok Election Office will conduct a draw to determine who will represent the group in expressing opinions as required.
The opinion forum will take place on 27 Jan 2026 at the auditorium of the Centara Life Government Complex Hotel and Convention Center, Chaeng Watthana, Bangkok. The schedule is as follows: At 9:00 a.m., party representatives will register, and the Director of the Bangkok Election Office will draw lots to determine the speaking order. The opinion presentations will begin at 10:30 a.m.