The Election Commission (EC) warns against vote buying and selling in the 2026 election, emphasizing severe penalties including imprisonment, fines, and disenfranchisement. The EC urges voters, candidates, and political parties to refrain from actions that constitute vote buying to ensure a fair and honest election. Details of the legal provisions and penalties are as follows:
1. In the case of vote buyers (candidates or any individuals):
According to the 2018 Organic Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (Section 73), it is prohibited to induce voters to cast or abstain from voting by the following means:
Penalty: Imprisonment from 1 to 10 years, or a fine from 20,000 to 200,000 baht (or both), and the court will order disenfranchisement for 20 years.
Note: Whistleblowers whose tips lead to punishment are entitled to a reward of up to half of the imposed fine.
2. In the case of vote sellers (voters): According to Section 101, voters are prohibited from demanding, receiving, or accepting money, assets, or other benefits in exchange for voting or abstaining from voting. Penalties include imprisonment from 1 to 5 years, fines from 20,000 to 100,000 baht (or both), and disenfranchisement for 10 years.
Caution and exceptions: If a voter has already received money or assets but reports the matter to the EC or relevant officials before arrest, that person will not be punished or disenfranchised (according to Section 164). Channels for reporting and inquiries to ensure election transparency are as follows:
For more information: Website: www.ect.go.thEC hotline: 1444Locations: EC offices in every province nationwide