The Election Commission (EC) has urged voters, election candidates and political parties to refrain from vote-buying, warning that violations of electoral law carry severe criminal penalties and long-term political consequences. The commission stressed that both those who offer inducements and those who accept them face imprisonment, fines and the loss of voting rights.
The warning comes as elections approach, with the EC emphasising the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process and prevent unlawful influence over voters. Officials said vote-buying undermines democratic principles and violates existing legislation designed to ensure fair competition.
Under the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament BE 2561 (2018) and its amendments, Section 73 prohibits candidates or any individual from influencing voters to vote for or against a candidate or political party, or to abstain from voting. This includes offering, promising, or preparing to give money or other benefits that can be calculated in monetary terms to individuals.
The law also forbids offering or agreeing to provide money, property, or benefits to communities, associations, foundations, temples, schools, welfare institutions, or other organisations. Campaigning through entertainment or social events, hosting or planning receptions or feasts, and using deception, coercion, threats, influence, false accusations, or misleading information about a candidate’s or party’s popularity are also banned.
Violations by vote buyers carry penalties of imprisonment ranging from one to 10 years, fines between 20,000 and 200,000 baht, or both. Courts may also revoke the voting rights of convicted individuals for up to 20 years, significantly affecting their future political participation.
In addition, Sections 158 and 159 allow courts to grant a reward of up to half of the imposed fine to individuals who report vote-buying offences. This measure is intended to encourage public cooperation in identifying and preventing electoral misconduct.
For vote sellers, Section 101 of the same law prohibits voters from accepting or agreeing to accept money, assets, or other benefits in exchange for voting or abstaining. Penalties include imprisonment for one to five years, fines of 20,000 to 100,000 baht, or both, along with the revocation of voting rights for 10 years.
However, Section 164 provides an exemption for individuals who accept or agree to accept inducements but report the offence to the EC or an EC-appointed official before arrest. In such cases, they will not face punishment or disqualification from voting.
The Nation reported that the EC has called on all voters, candidates and political parties to cooperate in conducting elections honestly, fairly, and in full compliance with the law. Officials said continued vigilance and public participation are essential to maintaining trust in the electoral system.
Key Takeaways
• The EC warns that vote-buying and vote-selling are serious crimes with prison terms, fines, and voting bans.
• Both individuals and organisations involved in inducements or unlawful campaigning face severe penalties under election law.
• Whistleblowers may receive financial rewards or immunity if they report offences before arrests are made.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Nation 2026-02-02
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