Why wearing a football jersey to vote may be illegal

Voters casting ballots in the general election and referendum this Sunday while wearing football jerseys or numbered clothing risk violating the election law, as doing so could be interpreted as election-related advertising.

Section 79 of the Election of Members of the House of Representatives Act BE 2561 (2018), prohibits all forms of election campaigning, whether beneficial or harmful to a candidate or political party, from 6pm on the day before the election until the end of polling day.

Clothing that displays numbers, including football jerseys or general apparel with prominent numerals, could be interpreted as indirect campaigning, particularly if the numbers are those of candidates or party-list numbers.

In previous elections, polling station officials have reportedly asked voters to remove such clothing before being allowed to cast their ballots.

Section 156 of the law stipulates that anyone found violating Section 79 may face up to six month in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht or both.

Examples of attire that may pose a legal risk at polling stations include that which displays:

· Candidate numbers or political party numbers

· Political party names, logos or campaign slogans

· Distinctive party-associated colours worn in large, coordinated groups near polling stations, especially when combined with other political symbols

Meanwhile, clothes emblazoned with logos or symbols of political parties may not worn inside the voting booth, as this is considered election campaigning and is a violation of election law.

The penalty is imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to 10,000 baht or both.

Likewise, clothing bearing printed messages that allude to or target any side, including the expressing of dislike or defaming any party, may be considered to be creating disturbance or inciting hatred, and carries the same penalties.