Bangkok: The Election Commission has outlined the framework for election campaigning, emphasizing the importance of selling ideas, policies, and credibility while avoiding entertainment events. Deputy Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Chanin Noi Lek explained that content creators do not fall under the prohibited qualifications for owning media outlets.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Secretary-General Chanin discussed the legal framework under the Constitutional Act on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives. He highlighted that effective campaigning should focus on three key areas: selling ideas by outlining concepts, selling policies by demonstrating improvement strategies for the people's well-being, and selling credibility by showcasing past achievements, education, and family background. Campaigning should not involve monetary incentives or lavish events to remain permissible.
Election offenses are categorized into two main parts: those undermining the election process, such as tampering with election equipment, and those violating voters' freedom, as elections must be fair and accessible to all eligible voters. Section 73 outlines common offenses like election fraud or vote buying through deception or coercion, which carry severe penalties including imprisonment, fines, and revocation of political rights.
Public gatherings for personal events like weddings or funerals are permissible within the family, but large-scale events suggesting political motives should be avoided. Attendees can make congratulatory or informative speeches, but election-related discussions are prohibited.
Professionals in high-profile careers, such as radio presenters or actors, are not required to resign but must distinguish between work and campaigning, avoiding the use of work platforms for campaign speeches. Misleading actions, including deception and defamation about popularity ratings, are also offenses under election laws.
The Election Commission has the authority to forward vote-buying offenses with evidence to the Anti-Money Laundering Office as predicate offenses under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Regarding candidate disqualifications, Section 42 (3) addresses ownership in media businesses. Content creators with large social media followings are not disqualified as owners or shareholders if their income comes from online platforms and not traditional media ownership.
Pol. Lt. Col. Chanin also clarified that election polls under Section 72 can be conducted anytime but must not be disclosed seven days before the election to avoid influencing undecided voters.