“Poomtham” exposes massive vote buying in Election 69, adding that some political party executives misuse state power to direct and manipulate officials as if they were vote brokers exchanging favors, while threatening and intimidating rival candidates in multiple provinces.,
On 30 January, Mr. Poomtham Vejjajhai, a leader of the Pheu Thai Party, posted on his personal Facebook, stating that in the final stretch of the election, problems eroding public confidence in the electoral system often arise, including vote buying, abuse of state power, and interference by state officials who harass or intimidate opposing party candidates, disregarding established rules.
Mr. Poomtham further stated that his party has received complaints from several areas such as Kanchanaburi, Sisaket, Kalasin, and Ubon Ratchathani, highlighting serious concerns that some political party executives wielding state power improperly direct and influence state officials—including administrative officials at all levels, subdistrict chiefs, village heads, and local police—to act like vote brokers, favoring their own party’s candidates and intimidating candidates from other parties, often exchanging such actions for benefits or career advancement.
Mr. Poomtham also noted that this election has seen reports of unprecedented massive vote buying. Such actions undermine the principles of honest, fair, and equal elections, which are the core of true democracy. Therefore, all officials involved in the election should not abuse state power to interfere in the election process. Such actions violate the constitution, related laws, and criminal law, constituting serious offenses with lasting consequences.
“I urge the Election Commission, all levels of state officials, and political parties to perform their duties with integrity and strictly within the legal framework. Voters should choose MPs and parties without succumbing to vote buying. Only transparent and fair elections will lead to political stability, peace, and public trust. Allowing state power to be used to favor one side or vote buying in any form harms the country and damages democracy in the long run. What this country needs in elections is not victories won by abusing state power or spending money on votes, but victories truly earned from the people's voices,” Mr. Poomtham stated.
Mr. Poomtham added that he hopes all political parties, government agencies, and civil servants will respect the rules and the people, allowing elections to proceed fairly, transparently, and justly. This is a shared responsibility for the country's future and for the democracy of all Thai people. Voters should not fear illegal state power mechanisms or let anyone influence their decisions. Choose the people you love and the party you support with your own heart.