Bangkok: Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission has issued a warning regarding three exceptions for candidates currently holding office. The Deputy Secretary-General specified that while donations to disaster victims are allowed for both government and private agencies, these rules specifically concern candidates running in Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) elections.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanin Noilek, who is the Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, addressed concerns about whether distributing disaster relief items could potentially violate local election laws. He highlighted that the 180-day period leading up to the end of a term is particularly sensitive, as the Local Election Act of 2019 allows candidates to start their campaigns during this time.

The Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that while disaster relief projects can be carried out by the general public, government organizations, local administrative organizations, and private entities, candidates seeking election must adhere to Section 65’s prohibition. This section clearly states that providing property or benefits to voters is forbidden. Candidates and others must not distribute items to sway voters, as this is considered vote-buying, which is illegal and compromises the electoral process’s integrity.