The Election Commission warns that vote buying and selling in the 2569 election is punishable by imprisonment, fines, and revocation of voting rights.

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Election Commission

The Election Commission warns that vote buying and selling in the 2569 election is illegal and carries severe penalties: imprisonment from 1 to 10 years, a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and revocation of voting rights for 10 to 20 years.

February 1, 2569: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) warns eligible voters, candidates, and political parties to refrain from actions that constitute vote buying or selling, which is a violation of election laws and carries severe criminal penalties.

In the case of those who purchase voting rights, Section 73 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament and its amendments stipulates that no candidate or any person shall perform any act to induce eligible voters to cast their votes for themselves or other candidates, or for any political party's list; to refrain from voting for any candidate or political party's list; or to persuade voters to not vote for any candidate for membership in the House of Representatives. Anyone who violates this provision shall be punished with imprisonment from 1 to 10 years, or a fine from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, or both, and the court shall order the revocation of that person's right to vote for a period of 20 years. In cases where the court has rendered a final judgment punishing the offender, the court shall order the payment of a reward not exceeding half of the amount of the fine to the informant.

Regarding vote-selling, Section 101 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament stipulates that no eligible voter shall demand, receive, or agree to receive money, property, or any other benefit for themselves or others in exchange for voting or abstaining from voting. Anyone who violates this provision shall be punished with imprisonment from 1 to 5 years or a fine from 20,000 to 100,000 baht, or both, and the court shall order the revocation of their right to vote for a period of 10 years. However, if the offender receives or agrees to receive money, property, or any other benefit, and has reported such action to the Election Commission or its designated representative before being arrested, they shall not be punished and their right to vote shall not be revoked under Section 164.

The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) requests cooperation from eligible voters, candidates, and political parties to refrain from buying or selling votes, in order to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, fairly, and in accordance with the law.

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