Thai Government Faces Vote-Buying Allegations Over Cash Handout

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Money and Banking

 

 

The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, launched just days before the provincial elections, is bound to be seen by some as a form of vote-buying, said People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul on Tuesday.

 

The government introduced this scheme as a part of its plan to bolster the economy and support those affected by ongoing economic challenges. Each eligible Thai citizen is receiving about 10,000 Thai Baht (£270). Officials claim the effort is entirely aimed at providing much-needed financial aid to help citizens with the rising cost of living, promising that it is neither connected to political motivations nor upcoming elections.

 

However, critics are not convinced. Opposition parties and political analysts argue that this scheme is suspiciously timed, coinciding with the approach of local government elections.

 

They suspect the government is leveraging this handout to sway public opinion and secure votes, particularly among economically vulnerable demographics who might feel indebted to the ruling party. The accusations of vote-buying have sparked a heated debate, further polarising the already divided political landscape in Thailand.

 

Vote-buying, a persistent issue in Thai politics, is a notorious practice where politicians or parties attempt to buy votes, often through direct cash distributions or other inducements.

It is illegal, but enforcement is difficult, and the practice has plagued past elections in the country. The controversy surrounding the recent cash handouts underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining a fair electoral process in the nation.

 

Nevertheless, the government remains unyielding in its stance. "This initiative is solely aimed at boosting the economy and supporting our people in these difficult times," stated a spokesperson for the Prime Minister. "It is unfortunate that this necessary support is being politicised."

 

Amid these allegations, the Election Commission of Thailand has been urged to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure elections proceed fairly and transparently. Political observers warn that how the government handles these accusations could significantly impact its political standing and future electoral success.

 

As the debate rages on, the Thai public waits with bated breath. With the economy a central issue for many voters, how this controversy unfolds could have far-reaching implications for the country's political future.

The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal whether this financial assistance is seen as a genuine effort to aid the Thai people or as a strategic ploy to win political favours.

 

For now, citizens remain divided, with some expressing gratitude for the financial relief and others sceptical of the government's motives. One thing is certain: the ongoing discourse has put the spotlight firmly on Thailand's political practices and the delicate balance between governance and electioneering, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-29

 

 

[Geoffggi]

This is an old Thaksin ploy used many times in the past together with organising transportation to & from polling stations.

[Gottfrid]

No, it can not be seen like that, as this has been ongoing and announced many times. The handout has started, and of course they will start handing it out at a time they can gain something from it, but it will not be seen as vote buying.

[MalcolmB]

1 hour ago, Geoffggi said:

This is an old Thaksin ploy used many times in the past together with organising transportation to & from polling stations.

And an old establishment ploy is to pick on Thaksin and anyone else who is popular with the people and hatch up ways to remove them from power and install themselves.

Why hand out money to the people when you can just enrich yourself instead.

[Emdog]

well, duh....

[lordgrinz]

Thai politics have always been about vote buying, just ask Emperor Thaksin, just make sure to donate to him before you can get an audience with him.

[PomPolo]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The controversy surrounding the recent cash handouts underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining a fair electoral process in the nation.

That ship's already sailed a long time ago!

[klauskunkel]

 the government’s 10,000-baht handout 

 

 

She already spent 1,000...

[hotchilli]

8 hours ago, webfact said:

The second phase of the government’s 10,000-baht handout programme, launched just days before the provincial elections, is bound to be seen by some as a form of vote-buying,

Exactly what it was all along.

[hotelbri]

48 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

 the government’s 10,000-baht handout 

 

 

She already spent 1,000...

That will be someone's fee for handing it out

[khunPer]

2 hours ago, klauskunkel said:

 the government’s 10,000-baht handout 

 

 

She already spent 1,000...

Probably just withheld income tax...

[Rinato]

Just hand them out after elections. Problem solved.