The Election Commission (EC) announced a reminder that vote-buying carries heavy penalties including imprisonment, fines, and election disqualification. It has set a 1 million baht cash reward for citizens who report incidents. Political parties will be grouped for a referendum debate to be broadcast nationwide on 27 January.
On 23 Jan 2026 at 10:30 a.m., the Election Commission Office issued a warning to eligible voters, candidates, and political parties to refrain from vote-buying, which violates election laws and carries serious criminal penalties.
According to the Organic Act on Election of MPs and its amendments, Section 73 defines vote-buyers and Section 101 defines vote-sellers. Violators face 1 to 5 years imprisonment or fines of 20,000 to 100,000 baht, or both, plus court-ordered election disqualification for 10 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 not face punishment or election disqualification, under Section 164. The EC urges all voters, candidates, and political parties to avoid vote-buying and selling to ensure fair, honest, and lawful elections.
Additionally, the EC invites citizens who witness vote-buying, including evidence such as photos or video clips, to report via the EC hotline 1444, the “Tasapparod” app, any provincial EC office, or local police. Reports will be confidential, whistleblowers protected by law, and if the report leads to arrest and a final court conviction, the informant will receive a 1 million baht cash reward.
Political parties grouped for the referendum debate will be broadcast nationwide on 27 January.
At 11:00 a.m. at the EC office, Deputy Secretary-General Kriangkrai Pandokmai revealed after a drawing of representatives to express opinions on the referendum that 34 political parties had registered to participate, but some withdrew, leaving 30 parties—17 supporting and 13 opposing. Each side will send representatives from 5 parties selected by drawing lots, since parties could not agree as each wanted their own representation. The EC will hold the referendum debate on 27 Jan 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the auditorium of Centara Life Hotel, Government Complex Chaeng Watthana, broadcast live on NBT 2HD TV, the EC’s Facebook page, and the Political Development Fund page, with further media dissemination planned.
Public referendum debate begins on 25 January.
Kriangkrai added that on 25 Jan at 10:30 a.m. in the same auditorium, a public forum will feature registered citizens' opinions, with 2 representatives supporting and 1 opposing, as one withdrew. This will be livestreamed via the Political Development Fund’s Facebook page and the recorded program will be shared through various media.
For regional forums organized by each provincial EC office, coordination with provincial governors is underway to plan the events. Registration is open for those wishing to express opinions in every province, with live broadcasts on the provincial EC Facebook pages and coverage through local media.
Both supporters and opponents will express their views on the same forum with equal time. Participants have rehearsed the limits of their remarks. Representatives are expected to be knowledgeable and experienced to present clear arguments for or against the referendum. The EC stresses that forums nationwide and centrally, as well as media coverage, include voices from both sides continuously, providing sufficient information for citizens to decide. The public is assured that information will come from politicians, academics, citizens, and social organizations comprehensively.
When asked about the risk of illegal speech, Kriangkrai said all EC forums are monitored, both regionally and centrally, including by the E-War Room center, with ongoing oversight, so there is no cause for concern.
