Motorists pass election and referendum voting reminder signs near Sanam Pao BTS station, Bangkok. (Bangkok Post)
Thailand’s Election Commission (EC) has introduced a temporary ban on the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages during the election period to curb vote-buying and prevent disorder linked to impaired judgement. The restriction applies across electoral districts from 6:00 PM on February 7, 2026, until 6:00 PM on February 8, 2026. Offenders face penalties of up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to ฿10,000 (US$317) or both.
The EC also announced 13 legal restrictions to protect election integrity, including bans on voter impersonation, ballot damage, foreign participation, election gambling, photographing ballots, spreading false information, obstructing voters, publishing opinion polls before polling closes, and providing free transport to influence voters.
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