Thai EC may commission study into rewarding people who vote in elections

[webfact]

EC may commission study into rewarding people who vote in elections

BANGKOK, 4 July 2014 (NNT) – The Election Commission will consult scholars at King Prajadhipok's Institute about a potential study into offering rewards for people who turn out to vote in elections.

Election Commissioner Phuchong Nutrawong spoke of Thursday's meeting of election commissioners, saying that no resolutions have been yielded because there were numerous agendas that came under deliberation by the meeting.

The EC personnel were meeting to discuss obstacles toward the holding of elections, and findings from the meeting were to be forwarded to the National Council for Peace and Order for the latter's use in reforming the election process.

Mr. Phuchong said he expected the EC to clarify the election law amendment within next week. He also indicated that election commissioners would meet with scholars from King Prajadhipok's Institute to discuss providing voters with compensation money.

The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad.

However, Mr. Phuchong asserted the EC was only looking at studying the idea and had no agenda to pursue such measure at this time.


-- NNT 2014-07-04

[ggold]

It's called vote buying!

[Tywais]

I was under the impression they were already being rewarded. 500 baht or 1000 baht depending on the party.

[h90]

Who is not interested in elections should not go vote, better for democracy.

[Chang_paarp]

I was under the impression they were already being rewarded. 500 baht or 1000 baht depending on the party.

The smart ones are being paid by both parties, don't think the government can afford to compete with that pay scale.

[h90]

I was under the impression they were already being rewarded. 500 baht or 1000 baht depending on the party.

So it is nationalize the previous private organized compensation

[hanuman2543]

Isn't the right to vote reward enough? They should teach the people to use their voting power in an appropriate way and not selling it to the highest bidder for short term gains.

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Edited July 4, 2014 by hanuman2543

[Bluespunk]

"The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad."

Where is it done abroad?

Edited July 4, 2014 by Bluespunk

[timewilltell]

The right to vote is not much of a right if you are only voting to choose which people have the right to rape you since the choices are all corrupt.

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[jpeg]

And that folks, is Thailand in a nutshell. Not educating the population as to how and why a democratic system works - voting for those whom you feel represent the best ideas as to how your country should be run, no! Give them a tip for turning up to mark a piece of paper they have no idea about and even less interest in unless there's a financial reward. Brilliant

[Gus5]

"The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad."

Where is it done abroad?

In the USA, many places reward voters.....

with a sticker

[trainman34014]

And that folks, is Thailand in a nutshell. Not educating the population as to how and why a democratic system works - voting for those whom you feel represent the best ideas as to how your country should be run, no! Give them a tip for turning up to mark a piece of paper they have no idea about and even less interest in unless there's a financial reward. Brilliant

Yep; they really are quite clueless owing to so many years of corruption, cheating, rip-offs, pay-offs etc. They should be discussing how they are going to present a case to the people for election based on a good mandate, honesty and transparency without anyone being paid to vote.

Despite all the good work being done by the dear General Thai attitudes in important departments do not seem to be changing or 'getting it '. I fear it will be back to the old routine after next October and that is all they are waiting for. Very sad indeed.

[lostsoul49]

This country is a complete train wreck.... This stupid idea is the icing on the cake.

It is so ludicrous, I bet it gets the thumbs up all round.

Land Of Stupidity.

[AleG]

NTT trolling? The "compensation" being discussed is providing people with transportation to the voting places so that politicians don't use that as an excuse to round up voters en masse.

Still a silly idea when it would be much easier and cheaper to make people vote were they actually live instead of having to travel across the country to cast a vote.

[NongKhaiKid]

And that folks, is Thailand in a nutshell. Not educating the population as to how and why a democratic system works - voting for those whom you feel represent the best ideas as to how your country should be run, no! Give them a tip for turning up to mark a piece of paper they have no idea about and even less interest in unless there's a financial reward. Brilliant

Thainess ?

Do these people ever think before they speak ?

[Thailand]

1st April?

[Thailand]

Perhaps a fine for not voting would be more appropriate?

[Gunna]

"The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad."

Where is it done abroad?

in Australia you get fined if you don't vote ( if you are on the electoral roll ) and don't have a good excuse

[Bluespunk]

"The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad."

Where is it done abroad?

in Australia you get fined if you don't vote ( if you are on the electoral roll ) and don't have a good excuse

I was vaguely aware that happens in some places, but that's not what this individual is proposing. Where is it legal to financially "compensate" people for voting?

Edited July 4, 2014 by Bluespunk

[tomyummer]

Omg. Vote buying redefined. Now you'll get Thais out to vote for anyone just to get paid. What a stupid idea. Thai democracy, the freedom to get paid.

[siampolee]

EC may commission study into rewarding people who vote in elections

It would make a pleasant change from rewarding those who were voted in at the election I suppose.

[Payboy]

However, Mr. Phuchong asserted the EC was only looking at studying the idea and had no agenda to pursue such measure at this time.

Collect a bonus stamp every time you vote. 10 stamps get one free election. Should be achievable in 1-2 years.

[citizen33]

Did I imagine a big reward handed out to non-voters who stopped voters from voting?

[muchogra]

Instead of wasting time on thinking of any sort of rewards, why not use the time to think about punishments for the vote buyers and the paid voters. Make ample clear to the potential offenders that they will be treated with harsh punishment.

Make it possibe for people to vote anywhere in the country instead of having had to go back to their provinces.

Educate the voters to vote with their conscience bearing in mind of the country first instead of being impressed by populist policies and sweet talks given by the fast-Eddie type. I know this is hard to do as most people in the West are attracted to this type anyway even with their level of 'sophistication'!

Edited July 4, 2014 by muchogra

[JoeThePoster]

However, Mr. Phuchong asserted the EC was only looking at studying the idea and had no agenda to pursue such measure at this time.

Collect a bonus stamp every time you vote. 10 stamps get one free election. Should be achievable in 1-2 years.

It will only work if they give this campaign a catchy name. I suggest Amazing Thailand Grand Doraemon Voting Festival.

[Darcula]

However, Mr. Phuchong asserted the EC was only looking at studying the idea and had no agenda to pursue such measure at this time.

Collect a bonus stamp every time you vote. 10 stamps get one free election. Should be achievable in 1-2 years.

It will only work if they give this campaign a catchy name. I suggest Amazing Thailand Grand Doraemon Voting Festival.

Too complicated. How about "sell one get one flea"?

[Basil B]

Why not the other way round fine people for not voting...

Give them an option to void their vote if they do not wish to vote for any of the candidates on the ballot paper.

[eggers]

Thought trying to stamp out corruption; just another opening by sounds of it.

[Thanet]

That's an absolutely hilarious article!

Voting here is a complete waste of time - the same thing will happen regardless.

[rethaier]

"The idea was brought up by Election Commissioner Thirawat Thirarotwit, who suggested that EC officials find out more about such measure implemented abroad."

Where is it done abroad?

in Australia you get fined if you don't vote ( if you are on the electoral roll ) and don't have a good excuse

And is Australia doing the right thing? I think not. It just forces ill-informed people to vote on something they no zilch about. Most of the people that vote because it is mandatory probably only read the sports pages and even that would be a stretch.