Bangkok: "Saeng" (the speaker) has not yet found evidence of vote buying, waiting to see what happens in the final stretch, and affirms that there are measures in place to prevent it. "Saeng" revealed that no vote buying has been detected so far, and they are waiting to see what happens in the final stages. He affirmed that there are measures in place to deter vote buying, emphasizing that even with money, it cannot be tolerated. He is not worried about being sued for issues regarding polling station organization and voter identification, stating that it is a citizen's right. He also mentioned that some overseas voters did not receive all their ballots, and that this depends on the number of types of voter registrations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), gave an interview regarding the progress of the investigation into vote buying. He stated that while there are current rumors, based on our information and past elections, there have been no actual acts of vote buying. The investigation will intensify in the final week before the election. The reports of vote buying are likely based on speculation and surprise at the alleged amounts, but there is no evidence of such activity yet. While there may be rumors or preparations, the ECT will monitor the situation. Vote buying involves two individuals: the giver and the receiver. While we can identify instances of vote buying, our focus is on prevention. Currently, we are explaining that money cannot buy votes, and we are pressuring voters to reduce the role of money as a significant factor in elections. The ECT is focusing on prevention and deterrence.
"Right now, it's not about vote buying. It's about complaints about signs or the use of aggressive, violent, and defamatory language," Mr. Saeng said.
When asked whether the perception from the previous election, where it was stated that the public saw it but the Election Commission didn't, could be erased this time, Mr. Saeng said that he wasn't denying that it didn't happen, but as he said, they have measures in place. Currently, it's a trending topic, but they have preventative measures in place. However, people still say there was vote buying, because those who didn't win will always have their own perspective, while those who won will have a different one. He could only say that the behavior is no different.
Mr. Saeng also commented on the lawsuits filed with the Administrative Court regarding the organization of polling stations and the requirement to register twice, saying that it's alright, as it's the people's right. We get sued every time, and the people exercise their rights, and we defend ourselves in this way.
Regarding the issue of overseas voters not receiving all their ballots, Mr. Saeng said that it's still too early to say they didn't receive all of them, as there's still time and each country sends them differently. He also mentioned that it needs to be checked whether registered voters registered for both types of voting. For example, if someone registered for only one type of vote, they would only receive one ballot, not two. Therefore, verification is necessary. He cited the example of district codes; in the last election, a five-digit code was used, which conflicted with postal codes, causing confusion. This time, with a four-digit code, people questioned why a five-digit code wasn't used. He added that criticism is free to make, provided it's based on factual information.