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ECT Warns Candidates Against Songkran Campaigning: Risk of Prison, Disqualification

ECT Warns Candidates Against Songkran Campaigning: Risk of Prison, Disqualification

MGR Online•Politics•2d ago

Reader Briefing

The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has issued a stern warning to candidates for Bangkok Governor, Bangkok City Council, Pattaya Mayor, and Pattaya City Council, cautioning them against violating election laws while campaigning during the Songkran festival.

  • •The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has warned potential candidates for Bangkok Governor, Bangkok City Council, Pattaya Mayor, and Pattaya City Council.
  • •Candidates are advised to be cautious with their campaigning activities during the Songkran festival to avoid legal repercussions.
  • •Violations, such as providing gifts or entertainment, can lead to fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from elections.

Overview

  • •The Election Commission (ECT) issued a notice on April 11, 2024, to individuals intending to run for Bangkok Governor, Bangkok City Council, Pattaya Mayor, and Pattaya City Council.
  • •Candidates are reminded to exercise extreme caution in their campaigning during the Songkran festival period in 2024, due to the increased risk of violating election laws.
  • •The terms for the positions of Pattaya Mayor and Pattaya City Council are set to expire on May 22, 2026.
  • •The Songkran festival period involves numerous public gatherings, increasing the potential for election law infringements.
  • •The ECT emphasized that campaigning must comply with the Royal Decree on Local Council and Local Administrator Elections B.E. 2019 and related regulations.
  • •The ECT highlighted that campaigning activities must not involve giving or promising to give any asset or benefit that can be valued in money, directly or indirectly, to individuals, communities, or organizations.
  • •The ECT also prohibited the use of entertainment as a campaigning tool, such as festivals, performances, or providing food and drinks, as these could be interpreted as offering hidden benefits for votes.
  • •Violators of these regulations face potential criminal and political penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from future political office.

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Key Quotes

ECT
"Campaigning must adhere to the framework of the laws for electing Bangkok Metropolitan Council members."
การหาเสียงต้องเป็นไปตามกรอบของพระราชบัญญัติการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภากรุงเทพมหานคร
ECT
"Campaigning during the festival must not involve 'giving or promising to give' assets or any other valuable benefit."
การหาเสียงในช่วงเทศกาลต้องไม่กระทำในลักษณะ “ให้หรือสัญญาว่าจะให้” ทรัพย์สิน หรือประโยชน์อื่นใด

Key Entities

Organization

Election Commission of Thailand(กกต.)ℹ️
The official body issuing warnings and regulations regarding elections in Thailand.

Person

Bangkok Governor(ผู้ว่าฯ กทม.)
A position for which candidates are being warned about campaigning during Songkran.
Bangkok City Council Member(ส.ก.)
A position for which candidates are being warned about campaigning during Songkran.
Pattaya Mayor(นายกเมืองพัทยา)
A position whose term is expiring and for which candidates are being warned about campaigning during Songkran.
Pattaya City Council Member(สมาชิกสภาเมืองพัทยา)
A position whose term is expiring and for which candidates are being warned about campaigning during Songkran.

Law

Royal Decree on the Election of Bangkok Metropolitan Council Members(พระราชบัญญัติการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภากรุงเทพมหานคร)
The law that governs election campaigning for Bangkok City Council members.
Royal Decree on the Election of Local Council or Local Administrator Members B.E. 2019(พระราชบัญญัติการเลือกตั้งสมาชิกสภาท้องถิ่นหรือผู้บริหารท้องถิ่น พ.ศ. 2019)
The overarching law governing election campaigning for local councils and administrators in Thailand.