The Election Commission (EC) has clarified rules concerning political parties accepting flood relief donations, warning that funds not deposited into the party's official account risk severe penalties, including party dissolution. The commission stressed the importance of transparency and using the funds genuinely to assist citizens as intended.
On 12 Nov 2026, amid public criticism and doubts over political parties raising flood relief funds via online channels and pages, legal experts on political parties clarified the relevant Election Commission regulations and laws on this matter. In principle, political parties may accept donations to aid disaster-affected citizens but must strictly comply with EC regulations and the Political Party Act, especially regarding financial procedures. All donated funds must be transferred directly into the party's official bank account. Transfers to other individuals, party executives, or unofficial pages are not allowed.
. (No translation needed; fragment) The law requires parties to open a bank account separate from their regular operational accounts, clearly labeled with the party's name followed by "Donation Account" in parentheses. The party must notify the EC of this account number within seven days of opening it. Additionally, each time donations are received, the party must record detailed information including the donor's name, address, amount, and donation purpose, with signatures from both the donor and the party treasurer as proof.
Regarding donor qualifications and donation limits set by the EC, individual donors must be Thai nationals with valid ID cards. Corporate donors must be registered in Thailand with at least 51% Thai shareholders. Each donor may contribute no more than 10 million baht per party annually. Corporations donating over 5 million baht must disclose this to shareholders at the next meeting. Parties must publicly disclose donors contributing over 5,000 baht and submit reports with evidence to the EC for verification.
Regarding concerns over parties creating pages soliciting donations but directing funds to accounts other than the official donation account, sources explained that the facts and circumstances will be examined. If proven that donations did not enter the party’s account, it is considered a violation of regulations and Section 72 of the Political Party Act, which carries severe penalties up to party dissolution.
Furthermore, sources added that the Prime Minister’s Office had inquired with the EC about the scope of party assistance to citizens. The EC clarified that parties may use donations to establish kitchens or aid disaster victims under strict spending limits: Members of Parliament may spend up to 300,000 baht per occasion in their constituencies, while parties can provide up to 3 million baht. Any excess must be counted as election expenses in the next election.
The sources also emphasized that parties are prohibited from soliciting funds from government agencies. However, publicly inviting the general public to donate via proper channels into the party’s official account is allowed under the law. The most important factors are transparency and using the funds genuinely to help citizens without corruption.