The Election Commission warned candidates for Bangkok Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Pattaya City Council, and Pattaya Mayor to be cautious during campaigning in the Songkran festival period. Violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or disqualification from voting rights.
On 11 April 2026, the Office of the Election Commission emphasized the need for caution in election campaigning during the Songkran festival. Candidates for Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Bangkok Governor, Pattaya City Council, and Pattaya Mayor—whose terms end on 22 May 2026—must campaign carefully to avoid breaking the law under the Local Council or Executive Election Act.
The Local Council Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and its amendments, along with the Election Commission's regulations on campaign methods and prohibited practices in local council or executive elections B.E. 2563 (2020) and its amendments (No. 2) B.E. 2563 (2020), establish the timeframe, procedures, and prohibitions for campaigning. Candidates, political parties, current officeholders, and government agencies must strictly comply. Violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or disqualification from voting.
Prohibited actions to watch for during Songkran include offering, promising, or preparing to give assets or other benefits that can be monetarily valued to anyone. This also includes offering or promising money, assets, or other benefits directly or indirectly to communities, associations, foundations, temples or other religious places, schools, shelters, or other institutions.
Campaign advertising through organizing entertainment events or festivities, hosting or providing meals for candidates, as well as deceiving, coercing, threatening, abusing influence, defaming with falsehoods, or misleading about candidates' popularity must be avoided. Special caution is advised for Bangkok Metropolitan Council members, Bangkok Governor, Pattaya City Council members, and Pattaya Mayor, except when acting within legally prescribed duties and powers.