EC urges clean voting as survey shows high public concern

Ahead of the general election on February 8, the Election Commission (EC) is urging election officials nationwide to prioritise the promotion of clean and honest voting amid growing public criticism over vote-buying.

EC Secretary General Sawaeng Boonmee ordered all EC staff in a LINE chat group to take note that society is increasingly scrutinising the widespread use of money to influence voters in the current election cycle.

He said that encouraging voter turnout is no longer a major concern, as participation is expected to be no lower than that in the 2023 election, when turnout exceeded 75%.

“Therefore, both central and regional offices, in addition to campaigning or public relations efforts to encourage people to vote, should place greater emphasis on voting with integrity; not choosing candidates because of money and not accepting money,” Sawaeng said.

His remarks came after a nationwide survey revealed that 42% of respondents believe that rampant vote-buying will occur.

Respondents estimate payments for votes could reach as high as 7,500 baht per person, particularly in Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

In regional breakdowns, the maximum estimated amount is 5,000 baht per person in the Central, Northern, Northeastern and Southern regions, and 3,000 baht in the Eastern region.

The survey was conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Council (UTCCC) and the Zero Corruption Working Group.

UTCCC adviser Sewanee Thamrongroj said the survey covered 4,814 respondents nationwide, comprising 3,043 members of the public and 1,771 business representatives. It also assessed public and business-sector opinions on the anti-corruption policies of political parties and politicians ahead of the 2026 election.

A majority of respondents (71.9%) said they would not vote for candidates who offered money, viewing vote-buying as illegal, corrupt and a sign of incompetence.

The survey revealed that 28.1% said, however, that they might still vote for such candidates, due to familiarity with the politician, past performance, influence from local canvassers, a lack of alternatives or financial benefit.

The survey also found that, although 69% said they would refuse money offered in exchange for their vote, 18% admitted that they would accept it.

Respondents also said corruption in Thailand has intensified, harming citizens, businesses, the economy and the country’s international reputation.

The most troubling political behaviours they cited include politicians with questionable backgrounds holding power, conflicts of interest and anti-corruption policies being used merely as campaign slogans.