Thepthai reveals that in Nakhon Si Thammarat, lists of names have already been recorded and vote-buying has started, with payments of 500 to 1,000 baht per person. He urges the Election Commission to investigate this issue proactively, saying gathering information is not difficult; investing in a 20-baht coffee can already provide useful information.
On 24 Jan 2026, Thepthai Senpong, former MP of Nakhon Si Thammarat, posted a video clip discussing corruption and vote-buying for the 8 Feb 2026 general election under the title “The Bullets Have Started Flying.” He said that after inspecting and checking vote-buying in southern Thailand, upon arriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat, he acknowledged that vote-buying is extremely intense. Locals said it's more severe than ever before, with vote-buying openly conducted even more so than illegal lottery sales. Names have been recorded, but payment not always made yet. In some areas, 500 baht per person has been paid, while the standard price for this round is 1,000 baht per person. This raises questions since the 1,000 baht figure differs from the 500 baht reportedly received by vote-buying agents, prompting inquiries about where the remaining 500 baht goes or if additional payments will follow. Candidates have reportedly paid vote-buying agents 10,000 baht each as a management fee, which puzzles and concerns locals.
"Therefore, I urge the Election Commission to investigate this matter, especially in local areas where proactive work can easily gather information. If advice is needed, the best sources are not just walking through communities or homes but also coffee shops, where spending no more than 20 baht on a coffee can yield valuable information. Sitting in the Election Commission office and claiming only to hear rumors of vote-buying without anyone reporting it is insufficient. Proactive work is needed to obtain information. Payments have already begun as the election approaches the final stage. I emphasize that anyone who has not received the full 1,000 baht per vote should demand the balance from vote-buying agents. Currently, there are three types of agents: 1. Village health volunteers—though not all, as they are the most effective vote-buying network; 2. Village heads and subdistrict chiefs operating under the authority of provincial governors, deputy governors, and district chiefs who have already issued orders and mobilized; 3. Local administrative organization members and chiefs who still hold lists to present to candidates or are recording new names. The Election Commission must expedite action before vote-buying payments increase further. So far, only the first wave of payments has been made; second and third waves will follow," Thepthai emphasized.