Phumtham: Vote Buying Rampant in 2026 Election; Urges Public Not to be Bought.

Khaosod•Politics•252d ago

Reader Briefing

Pheu Thai leader Phumtham Vejjajiva warns of extensive vote-buying and abuse of state power in the upcoming 2026 election, calling for integrity from officials and the public.

•Pheu Thai leader Phumtham Vejjajiva has spoken out against widespread vote buying and abuse of state power reportedly occurring in the lead-up to the 2026 general election.
•He alleges that some political party executives are using their state authority to pressure and threaten opposing candidates.
•Phumtham urges citizens to vote based on conscience, not financial incentives, and calls for a transparent and fair election process.
•Specific areas where worrying incidents have been reported include Kanchanaburi, Sisaket, Kalasin, and Ubon Ratchathani.

Overview

•On Jan 30, 2026, Phumtham Vejjajiva, a Pheu Thai leader, posted on his personal Facebook that vote buying and state power abuse are undermining public confidence in elections.
•Phumtham warns that some party executives with state power are illegally influencing and directing government officials, including district chiefs and police, to act as campaign heads for their party's candidates.
•Phumtham highlights reports of unprecedented massive vote-buying in the election, which he states undermines principles of honest, fair, and equal elections.
•Phumtham calls for the Election Commission, all state officials, and political parties to act with integrity and strictly follow the law, and for the public to vote without regard for money.
•Phumtham believes that a transparent election leads to political stability and public trust, while the use of state power or vote buying damages democracy long-term.
•Phumtham emphasizes that victory should come from the people's true votes, not from misusing state power or spending heavily on vote buying.
•Phumtham urges all parties, government agencies, and officials to respect the rules and the public, ensuring elections are pure, transparent, and fair for the country's democratic future.
•Phumtham advises voters not to fear illegal state power and to make their voting decisions with their own hearts, choosing their preferred candidates and parties.

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Key Quotes

ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย

"Victory from state power or money spent on vote buying, but true victory derived from the people's voices."

การใช้อำนาจรัฐ หรือจากเงินที่ทุ่มในการซื้อเสียง แต่คือ ชัยชนะที่มาจากเสียงของประชาชนอย่างแท้จริง

ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย

"I urge the Election Commission, all state officials at all levels, and political parties to perform duties honestly and strictly adhere to legal frameworks."

ผมขอเรียกร้องให้คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง เจ้าหน้าที่รัฐทุกส่วน ทุกระดับ รวมทั้งพรรคการเมืองทำหน้าที่อย่างตรงไปตรงมา ตามกรอบกฎหมายอย่างเคร่งครัด

ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย

"Urging the public to choose MPs without being swayed by money."

วอนประชาชน เลือก สส. โดยไม่เห็นแก่เงิน

Key Entities

Person

Phumtham Vejjajiva(ภูมิธรรม เวชยชัย)ℹ️

Pheu Thai Party leader who has spoken out against alleged vote buying and abuse of state power in the upcoming 2026 election.

Organization

Pheu Thai Party(พรรคเพื่อไทย)ℹ️

Political party whose leader, Phumtham Vejjajiva, is raising concerns about election integrity.

Election Commission(คณะกรรมการการเลือกตั้ง)ℹ️

The official body responsible for overseeing elections in Thailand, urged by Phumtham Vejjajiva to act with integrity.

Place

Kanchanaburi(กาญจนบุรี)ℹ️

Province in Thailand where worrying electoral practices have been reported.

Sisaket(ศรีสะเกษ)ℹ️

Province in Thailand where worrying electoral practices have been reported.

Kalasin(กาฬสินธุ์)ℹ️

Province in Thailand where worrying electoral practices have been reported.

Ubon Ratchathani(อุบลราชธานี)ℹ️

Province in Thailand where worrying electoral practices have been reported.