Election 2026: The Election Commission (EC) issued a statement emphasizing that vote-buying is severely punishable by imprisonment, fines, and disqualification from voting rights. It also announced a 1 million baht cash reward for citizens who report such violations. The EC will organize a referendum debate among political party groups, broadcast live nationwide on 27 January.
On 23 January 2026 at 10:30 a.m., the Election Commission Office issued a warning to eligible voters, candidates, and political parties to refrain from any acts constituting vote-buying, which violate election laws and carry serious criminal penalties.
Regarding vote-buying, the Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and its amendments specify in Section 73 for buyers and Section 101 for sellers that any violator faces imprisonment from one to five years, fines ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht, or both, and the court may order disqualification of voting rights for ten years.
However, if the offender is the recipient or willing recipient of money, property, or other benefits and reports the offense to the EC or its authorized agents before arrest, that person will be exempt from punishment and disqualification under Section 164. The EC requests cooperation from voters, candidates, and political parties to abstain from vote-buying and selling to ensure the election is honest, fair, and lawful.
Additionally, the EC invites citizens who witness vote-buying, including distribution of money, to report the behavior along with photographic or video evidence via the EC hotline 1444, the "Tasaprad" application, any provincial EC office, or local police. Reports will be kept confidential, and informants protected by law. If reports lead to arrest and final court conviction, the informant will receive a 1 million baht cash reward.
Political party groups to debate referendum live nationwide on 27 January.
Later at 11:00 a.m. at the EC Office, Mr. Kriangkrai Pandokmai, Deputy Secretary-General of the EC, announced after a lottery to select representatives for the referendum debate that 34 parties initially registered to participate, with some withdrawing, leaving 30 parties: 17 in favor and 13 opposed. Each side will send representatives from 5 parties chosen by lottery, as parties could not agree on representatives. The EC will hold the referendum debate on 27 January 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Centara Life Hotel at Chaeng Watthana Government Complex, with live broadcasts on NBT 2HD TV and the EC’s and Political Development Fund’s Facebook pages, and rebroadcast through various media.
Public referendum debate begins 25 January.
Mr. Kriangkrai added that on 25 January at 10:30 a.m., also in the auditorium of Centara Life Hotel, registered civil society representatives will express opinions, with two speakers supporting and one opposing (one withdrew). This will be livestreamed via the Political Development Fund’s Facebook page and the recorded program will be shared through other media.
For regional opinion forums, provincial EC offices will coordinate with governors on organizing these events. Registration is open for citizens wishing to express opinions in all provinces. These forums will be livestreamed via provincial EC Facebook pages and disseminated through local media.
Both pro- and anti-referendum groups will present opinions on the same stage, with equal opportunity. Speakers are pre-briefed on permissible content. The EC trusts that representatives are knowledgeable and experienced, able to present their views effectively. The forums nationwide and at the center, as well as media coverage, include both sides presenting continuously, providing sufficient information for the public. The EC encourages citizens not to worry, as information will be available from politicians, academics, the general public, and social organizations comprehensively.
When asked about opinions that might risk legal violations, Mr. Kriangkrai said that all EC forums are monitored, both regionally and centrally, including by the E-War Room, which continuously checks content, so there is no cause for concern.
