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Thailand
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 94, 96, and 112.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:03:55 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
c. Compactness of constituencies
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 94 and 96.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:03:55 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun
b. Job Title: Election Officer
c. Organisation: Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
d. Contact Address. 44 Srijulsup Tower, 21st floor, Rama 1 road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
e. Telephone: 00662 613 7461
f. Facsimile: 00622 219 3422
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
Comments: Because of the coup d'etat in Thailand the previous constitution is not in effect. An interim constitution has taken its place. The interim constitution states that there shall be a referendum on the draft of a forthcoming constitution that is to replace the old constitution.
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall?
Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Last updated: 2007-01-09 13:04:04 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD50 Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
b. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
b. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:54:28 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:55:33 UTC
DD86 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable
Source: Mr. Somchai Thepareenun, Election Officer, Office of the Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2007-01-12 09:58:26 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Election Commission of Thailand
b. Full Address 44 Srijulsup Tower, Rama 1 Road, Rongmuang, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Thailand 10330
c. Telephone +66 2613 7333
d. Facsimile +66 2219 2806
e. Email [email protected]
f. Website Address www.ect.go.th/english
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Mr. Apichart Sukhagganond, Chairman of the Election Commission of Thailand
h. Information Officer Mr. Jesadaporn Boonrak, Mr. Wudt Wiratwongkun
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Thai
Source: Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:54:44 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
c. Local level
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 235.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:56:48 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 168.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:57:22 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
e. Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Auditor General of Thailand
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 252.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:59:41 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: The term of the Election Commission is 7 years inconsecutive.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 232.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:01:14 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:54:44 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:54:44 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
g. Inherited monarchy
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 2 and 22
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:28:25 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 171-172.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:32:14 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
b. No
Comments: Thailand has an inherited monarchy.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 2.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:33:08 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 88.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:36:15 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
e. Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: The House of Representatives consists of 480 members. 400 members are elected in constituency basis and the 80 remainders are elected in proportional basis from political parties’ list.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 93.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:46:29 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:28:25 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
c. Decree
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Comments: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550 (2007), Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), The Royal Decree Calling for the General Election of the House of Representatives B.E. 2550 (2007), the regulations of the Election Commission, and the announcements of the Election Commission.
Source: Election Commission of Thailand
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:48:25 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007).
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:50:42 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
c. Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 72.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 09:50:42 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Source: The Announcement of the Election Commission on the Criteria Governing the Operations of the State to Support the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2550 (2007), Rule 12-15.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:27:48 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Source: The Announcement of the Election Commission of Thailand on the Determination of the Amount of Electoral Expenditure of the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2550 (2007), Clause 4 and 5.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:58 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
b. Yes, in legislative elections
Source: The Announcement of the Election Commission on the Criteria Governing the Operations of the State to Support the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2550 (2007), Rule 20, and the Regulation of the Election Commission of Thailand on the Election Campaign, Code of Conduct, and Prohibitions governing the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Proceedings of Political Parties, Candidates, and Eligible Voters B.E. 2550, Clause 7.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:27:24 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:25:11 UTC
ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
d. 6-7 days
Source: Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 150.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:27:48 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
c. Regional distribution requirement
Comments: a. Signature requirement (A candidate shall submit letter of consent together with political party’s application for running in election) b. Deposit requirement (5,000 baht for each candidate)
Source: Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 36 and 42.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:22:36 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable
Comments: Political parties are prohibited to send candidates to stand for senatorial election.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 115.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:17:07 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 101.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:18:51 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
h. Minimum level of education
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 115.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:18:51 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
d. In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments: A candidate running in senatorial elections shall be independent person.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 115.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:19:36 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct
c. Indirect
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E.2550 (2007), Section 79 and 81.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:20:05 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election
c. Based on current legislative representation
Comments: The subsidy for political parties shall be allocated annually to those political parties which have stood candidates at the latest general election of members of the House of Representatives and have received votes on a party-list basis equivalent to not less than zero point five per cent (0.5%) of the aggregate of votes cast for all political parties in the party-list election, or have received votes on a constituency basis equivalent to not less than zero point five per cent (0.5%) of the aggregate of nationwide votes cast for all candidates in the constituency election. The Election Commission shall distribute the subsidy to entitled political parties by allocating forty per cent (40%) of the total amount of the subsidy according to the number of votes obtained from an election on a party-list basis, forty per cent (40%) of the subsidy according to the number of votes obtained from an election on a constituency basis, ten per cent (10%) of the subsidy according to the number of branches of a political party that meet the requirements prescribed by the Election Commission, and ten per cent (10%) of the subsidy according to the number of active members who paid annual subscription fees, under the rules and procedures prescribed by the Election Commission. No one political party shall receive more than half of the total allocation granted in a year. In the case of a newly established political party, the subsidy shall be distributed to that political party under this Section only after it has completed all operations under Section 26 and nominated candidates for the election of members of the House of Representatives.
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 75, Election Commission of Thailand.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:22:36 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 94.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:23:47 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
Comments: The ballot boxes are physically transported from the polling stations to the vote counting station.
Source: Organic Law on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, B.E.2541, Section 67
Last updated: Fri, 16 Mar 2001 07:07:10 GMT
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
d. By request
e. Court order
Source: Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 109 and 116.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:24:22 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
b. Regional Electoral Management Bodies
c. Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
d. National Government
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media
j. Religious Institutions
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 236.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:05:35 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only
Comments: Election Commission of Thailand.
Source: Election Commission of Thailand.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:06:19 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
b. Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body
c. Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies
d. Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
h. Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
i. Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates
j. Yes, conducted by the Media
k. Yes, conducted by Religious Institutions
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 236.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:07:10 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
j. Other
Comments: At a polling station where their names appear in voter roll.
Source: Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 65.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:12:03 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
d. Members of the armed forces
e. Students
f. Diplomatic staff
Comments: Election is compulsory for Thai citizens. Those who reside outside the country in election days and would like to cast their vote at the country they reside shall register to vote outside the country.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 72 and the Regulation of the Election Commission on Elections of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators Outside the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Rule 14 and 15.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:13:28 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
c. Special polling stations
e. By mail
Source: The Regulation of the Election Commission on Elections of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators Outside the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Rule 11-13.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:14:16 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
b. No Na
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:12:03 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Source: Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representative and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 67 and the Regulation of the Election Commission on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives B.E. 2550 (2007), Rule 130.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:14:42 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18
Comments: 18 years old (on the 1st of January of the election year).
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 99.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:11:16 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: Eligible voters shall hold Thai nationality for not less than five years and have his or her name appears on the house register in the constituency for not less than ninety days up to the date of the election.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 99.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:11:16 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
e. Other
Comments: No voter registration system. Thai citizens who qualified with the Section 99 and Section 100 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007) are automatically being eligible voter.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), Section 99.
Last updated: 2008-02-04 10:11:16 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
