The Bangkok Election Commission warns candidates for Bangkok Governor and Council to carefully manage campaign expenses. Support from influencers and YouTubers, even if provided free, must be accounted for as campaign expenses. It also stresses that campaign promises must be realistically achievable; otherwise, they may be considered fraudulent.
On 16 May 2026 in Chonburi Province, Lt. Samphan Saengkhamlert, Director of the Bangkok Election Commission, addressed the gubernatorial and council elections. Although there is no set limit on the number of campaign assistants, all helpers—including spouses and children of candidates—must be properly reported to the Commission as official campaign assistants under the law. Candidates must be careful that such assistance does not constitute vote-buying or prohibited benefits. Specifically, influencers or YouTubers endorsing a candidate are considered a form of campaign assistance. If hired or paid, these costs must be included in campaign expenses. Even if unpaid, such support is treated as a “received benefit” that requires valuation and reporting to the Commission. Similarly, use of advertising or promotional vehicles, even if provided free, must be valued at normal market rates—typically 1,500 to 3,000 baht per day—and counted as candidate expenses.
The Director added that electronic campaigning via platforms like Facebook, LINE, Instagram, and TikTok requires candidates to report all accounts used for campaigning to the Commission before starting. Organizing rallies or any form of advertising must also be reported in advance. Legally, a clear distinction exists between campaign assistants and supporters; if support is of a sponsorship nature, all such assistance may need to be calculated as campaign expenses.
“If anyone—be it the general public, influencers, or YouTubers—continually promotes a candidate through live broadcasts or publicity with the candidate’s knowledge or consent, the candidate must include the estimated costs in their financial disclosures. This ensures fairness among candidates regardless of financial status. Failure to do so may be seen as receiving unreported benefits and constitute an election law violation,” Lt. Samphan emphasized.
Regarding campaign policies, such as proposals to create a dinosaur farm, the Director said election promises must fall within the candidate’s official authority and be practically achievable. Policies that are unrealistic or unimplementable may be considered deceptive under Section 65(5). The key principle is that promises must be things the candidate has the power to do, should do, and can feasibly carry out.