Election prohibitions for 2026 The parliamentary election and referendum on 8 February 2026 are significant days for eligible voters, who must strictly comply with the law. Beyond verifying voter registration and the ballot casting process,
understanding the prohibitions on early voting day, general election day, and referendum day 2026 is essential, as violations may result in imprisonment, fines, or disenfranchisement. Thairath Online summarizes the 10 key prohibitions on election day 2026 as follows.
The law bans all forms of campaigning from 6:00 p.m. on the day before election day (7 Feb 2026) until the polls close. This includes speeches, distributing materials, posting signs, wearing campaign clothing or accessories, and disseminating campaign messages online.
Additionally, on election days (1 and 8 Feb 2026), candidates, political parties, campaign assistants, or anyone else are prohibited from campaigning inside or near polling stations. This includes handing out materials, using vehicles with campaign signs, loudspeakers, or organizing campaign events.
From seven days before election day (1–8 Feb 2026), publishing opinion polls or surveys with suggestive content that could influence voters’ decisions is forbidden, regardless of the media or platform used.
Intentionally destroying, damaging, invalidating a valid ballot, or restoring an invalid ballot is illegal under election law.
Adding marks, messages, or symbols beyond what the law permits may invalidate the ballot and constitute an election law violation.
Ballots must remain inside the polling station unless handled by officials acting within their legal duties.
Taking photos of marked ballots or showing them to others to reveal voting choices is not allowed to protect ballot secrecy.
Election law forbids arranging transport or gathering people to vote if it involves coercion, persuasion, or directing votes in any way, as this constitutes an offense.
Voters should avoid wearing clothes or accessories featuring party names, symbols, numbers, or candidate images on voting days to prevent being seen as campaigning.
Giving money, property, or any benefit to induce voters to vote for or against any candidate is a serious offense punishable by imprisonment, fines, and possible disenfranchisement under the law.
Voting is a fundamental right of citizens but must be exercised within the legal framework. Before entering the booth on early voting day (1 Feb 2026)and on general election dayand referendum day (8 Feb 2026), voters should study the prohibitions thoroughly to ensure a fair, honest election that respects their rights.
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