ECT warns Bangkok Governor, Pattaya Mayor candidates about Songkran campaign rules

Thairath•Politics•2d ago

Reader Briefing

Election Commission cautions candidates for Bangkok Governor, Pattaya Mayor, and council members to be vigilant about election law compliance during the Songkran festival.

•The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has issued a warning to candidates running for Governor of Bangkok, members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Council, Pattaya City Council, and Mayor of Pattaya.
•Candidates are advised to exercise extreme caution in their campaigning activities during the upcoming Songkran festival.
•Violations of election laws during this period could lead to penalties including fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from electoral rights.
•The warning emphasizes adherence to the Election of Local Council Members or Local Administrators Act B.E. 2019 and related regulations.

Overview

•The Election Commission of Thailand has issued a warning to candidates for Governor of Bangkok, Bangkok Metropolitan Council members, Mayor of Pattaya, and Pattaya City Council members.
•On April 11, 2026, the Election Commission of Thailand reiterated precautions for election campaigning during the Songkran festival.
•These candidates are for positions that will conclude their term on May 22, 2026, necessitating careful adherence to campaign regulations.
•The Election Commission of Thailand stressed that election campaigning during Songkran requires caution to avoid legal violations.
•The prohibition covers offering or promising assets, money, or benefits to individuals or organizations, including educational institutions and religious sites.
•Candidates are also prohibited from organizing entertainment or feasts and from engaging in deceitful practices, coercion, or spreading misinformation.
•Violators of election laws may face penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or the revocation of their voting rights.
•The warning specifies compliance with the Election of Local Council Members or Local Administrators Act B.E. 2019 and its amendments, and related ECT regulations dating back to B.E. 2020.

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Key Quotes

Election Commission of Thailand

"Violation may result in fines, imprisonment, or disqualification of election rights."

หากฝ่าฝืนอาจได้รับโทษปรับ จำคุก เพิกถอนสิทธิเลือกตั้ง

Election Commission of Thailand

"Campaigning during the Songkran festival requires caution to avoid violating the law."

การหาเสียงเลือกตั้งในช่วงเทศกาลสงกรานต์จึงต้องใช้ความระมัดระวัง เพื่อไม่ให้กระทำความผิดกฎหมาย

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission of Thailand(กกต.)ℹ️

The official body issuing warnings and regulations regarding elections in Thailand.

Person

Governor of Bangkok(ผู้ว่าฯ กทม.)

A candidate for the position of Governor of Bangkok being warned about election campaigning rules.

Bangkok Metropolitan Council Member(สก.)

A candidate for the Bangkok Metropolitan Council being warned about election campaigning rules.

Mayor of Pattaya(นายกเมืองพัทยา)

A candidate for the position of Mayor of Pattaya being warned about election campaigning rules.

Pattaya City Council Member(สมาชิกสภาเมืองพัทยา)

A candidate for the Pattaya City Council being warned about election campaigning rules.

Law

Election of Local Council Members or Local Administrators Act B.E. 2019(พระราชบัญญัติการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาท้องถิ่นหรือผู้บริหาร ท้องถิ่น พ.ศ. 2019)

The primary legislation governing local elections in Thailand, referenced in the campaign warning during Songkran.

Election Commission of Thailand Regulations on Campaigning Methods and Prohibited Actions for Election of Local Council Members or Local Administrators B.E. 2020(ระเบียบคณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง ว่าด้วยวิธีการหาเสียงและลักษณะต้องห้ามในการหาเสียงเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาท้องถิ่นหรือผู้บริหารท้องถิ่น พ.ศ. 2020)

Specific regulations issued by the Election Commission detailing permissible and prohibited campaign activities for local elections, relevant to the Songkran warning.