Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police have issued a checklist of prohibited activities ahead of the Bangkok Governor and Pattaya Mayor elections scheduled for June 28th, designed to prevent violations of electoral law.

According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, disclosed that Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, expressed concerns over potential legal violations by citizens during the upcoming elections. He emphasized that both intentional and unintentional breaches could lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and revocation of voting rights.

The police have outlined five key prohibitions to guide citizens and business owners in Bangkok and Pattaya. The first prohibition targets "Vote Buying and Selling," warning that offering money or benefits to influence votes is a grave offense, with penalties ranging from one to ten years of imprisonment, fines between 20,000 to 200,000 baht, and a 20-year revocation of voting rights.

The second rule cautions against the removal of ballot papers from polling stations, citing it as electoral fraud punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht, with a ten-year voting rights revocation. The third guideline prohibits photographing marked ballots within polling booths, carrying penalties of up to one year in prison or a 20,000 baht fine.

Additionally, the police warn against tearing or destroying ballot papers, which could result in fines up to 5,000 baht. Lastly, the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages are banned in polling areas from 6:00 PM on June 27th until 6:00 PM on June 28th, with violations carrying penalties of up to six months imprisonment or a 10,000 baht fine.

The Royal Thai Police urge the public to report any election-related offenses, such as vote buying or illegal alcohol sales, to the 191 hotline or the Royal Thai Police hotline 1599, both available 24/7.