Srisuwan Janya approached the Election Commission to file a complaint against four political parties—Pracha Chart, Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, and Democrat—for opening bank accounts to collect donations to help disaster victims without using the parties’ names, raising concerns about possible violations and aiming to set a precedent.
13 Nov 2026 GMT+7 Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Rak Chat Rak Phandin organization, went to submit a complaint to the Election Commission (EC) at the EC office in the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road, Bangkok, to request an investigation into the Pracha Chart, Bhumjaithai, Democrat, and Pheu Thai parties regarding their opening of bank accounts to receive donations for disaster relief without using their party names. This may be a violation of Sections 67 and 71 of the 2017 Political Parties Act. If so, penalties under Sections 106 and 122 of the same law should be applied.
This follows reports that various political parties have opened bank accounts to receive donations to help people affected by different disasters—such as those on the Thai-Cambodian border and flood victims—potentially circumventing the law. It appears that these four major parties did not use their party names for the donation accounts, nor specify the donation’s purpose as required by the 2020 EC regulations on political parties. Instead, account names appeared under individuals, volunteer groups, funds, or foundations, which does not comply with EC rules.
Additionally, after opening donation accounts, political parties must follow EC procedures and notify the party registrar within seven days of opening the account. Once the donations have been used as intended, they must report back within 15 days, submitting all related documents.
If a party fails to comply with these regulations, the party leader, member registrar, or treasurer may be liable under Sections 106 and 122 of the 2017 Political Parties Act, subject to fines of up to 50,000 baht per offense and daily fines of 1,000 baht until corrected.
“Importantly, before receiving donations, parties must obtain permission from the Department of Provincial Administration or the provincial governor under the 1944 Public Charity Act and its amendments, and properly report income to the Revenue Department under tax laws. It remains to be seen whether the parties have complied with these requirements,” he added.
At the end, Srisuwan noted that the issue has drawn significant public criticism. The Rak Chat Rak Phandin organization therefore brought this matter to the party registrar and the EC, urging them to investigate and enforce the law properly. The aim is to establish a correct standard for political parties opening bank accounts to receive donations to help needy citizens correctly in the future.