Vote Buying Scandal: 5k Baht Per Head, Over 12 Billion Baht Circulating

Khaosod•Politics•265d ago

Reader Briefing

A leading political figure has alleged widespread vote buying at 5,000 Baht per voter in Thailand, estimating over 12 billion Baht in illicit funds.

•General Rangsikan Kittiyananthap, a prime ministerial candidate, revealed an alleged large-scale vote-buying operation across Thailand.
•He estimates over 12.5 billion Baht from 'grey businesses' and 'scammers' is being used to influence the upcoming election.
•General Rangsikan also defended his party's structure, emphasizing decentralized power and a modern approach to political leadership.

Overview

•Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap announced concerns about election corruption on Jan 30, 2026.
•Vote buying is reportedly occurring at 5,000 Baht per individual, widespread across all regions of Thailand.
•Over 12.5 billion Baht is estimated to be circulating in vote-buying activities, potentially from 'grey businesses' and 'scammers'.
•The alleged payment system involves an initial 2,000 Baht deposit, with the remaining 3,000 Baht to be paid after election day.
•Gen. Rangsikan explained his party's leadership structure, assigning responsibilities based on expertise.
•Gen. Rangsikan stated his party aims for transparent politics and not for individual leaders to hoard power.
•Gen. Rangsikan expressed a desire to enter politics not for personal gain but to address the nation's economic and corruption crises.
•The outcome of the upcoming election will determine the country's future political direction, according to Gen. Rangsikan.

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Key Quotes

Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap

"If calculated from the target of needing 250 votes in parliament, it is estimated that over 12.5 billion baht will be circulated."

ถ้าคำนวณจากเป้าหมายที่ต้องการเสียงในสภา 250 เสียง คาดว่าจะมีเงินสะพัดกว่า 12,500 ล้านบาท

Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap

"I work in politics like a new generation; it's not necessary for the party leader to monopolize the number 1 spot or hoard all power."

ผมทำงานการเมืองแบบคนรุ่นใหม่ ไม่จำเป็นที่หัวหน้าพรรคต้องผูกขาดเป็นเบอร์ 1 หรือรวบอำนาจไว้คนเดียว

Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap

"My entry into politics this time is not to seek a Member of Parliament or minister position, but to solve the country's crisis that cannot proceed."

การเข้ามาเล่นการเมืองครั้งนี้ ไม่ได้ต้องการตำแหน่ง สส. หรือรัฐมนตรี แต่ต้องการเข้ามาแก้วิกฤตประเทศที่เดินต่อไม่ได้

Key Entities

Person

Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap(พล.อ.รังษี กิตติญาณทรัพย์)

Prime Ministerial Candidate and Head of the Economy Party who exposed widespread vote-buying allegations and defended his party's leadership structure.

Mr. Panthap Puapongphan(นายปานเทพ พัวพงษ์พันธ์)

Dean of the College of Oriental Medical Science, Rangsit University, who raised questions about the Economy Party's power structure.

Mr. Kris Potranan(นายคริส โปตระนันท์)

President of the Economy Party, who reportedly has decision-making authority on key matters within the party.

Organization

Economy Party(พรรคเศรษฐกิจ)

Political party led by Gen. Rangsikan Kittiyananthap, advocating for transparency and decentralized power.

Concept

Grey Businesses(ธุรกิจสีเทา)

Illicit or semi-legal business operations speculated to be funding widespread vote buying in Thailand.

Scammers(สแกมเมอร์)

Individuals or groups involved in fraudulent activities, rumored to be providing funds for vote buying in Thailand.