Bangkok: "Saeng" warns against posting photos of ballot papers, as it risks violating the law. Secretary-General Saeng warned against posting photos of ballot papers online, as it risks violating election laws requiring secrecy and could be perceived as vote buying or campaigning on election day.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission, commented on the Supreme Court's order to revoke the names of parliamentary candidates, and whether the candidates and the party leaders who endorsed their applications should be held accountable. He stated that this depends on each case and the facts. If it's a personal fault of the candidate, some may have been convicted. Sometimes, the party leader might not have been aware, as the law only allows for the endorsement of the candidate themselves. As for whether the party leader should also be held responsible, the Political Parties Act stipulates that the action taken must determine whether the election was unfair or not. Therefore, the facts must be considered.

When asked whether the legal proceedings would affect the elected party, Mr. Saeng said it was unpredictable, but if the law says it's an offense, then it's an offense. When pressed further on what the impact would be if the party leader was also found guilty, Mr. Saeng said that the facts would have to be examined; it's too early to comment.

The Election Commission's legal department further explained regarding the case of photographing an ID card alongside a folded ballot ready to be placed in the ballot box, and then sharing this information on social media, that the law does not directly prohibit photography inside polling stations. However, Section 97 of the Organic Act on the Election of Members of Parliament prohibits eligible voters from using any tool or device to photograph their ballot after they have cast their vote. This provision is intended to prevent fraud, as some instances involve photographs being used to solicit vote-buying after the ballot has been cast. This differs from media coverage of prominent figures exercising their right to vote. Therefore, citizens should avoid photographing ballots inside polling stations and sharing the images, as this could lead to complaints and legal proceedings.