Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The House of Representatives consists of five hundred members, three hundred and seventy-five of whom are from the election on a constituency basis and one hundred and twenty-five of whom are from the election on a party-list basis.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (2016), Art. 86
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 6: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view;
Verified: 2017/03/31
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: In a Changwat where the number of members of the House of Representatives to be elected is not more than one, the area of that Changwat shall be regarded as the constituency and in a Changwat where the number of members of the House of Representatives is more than one, the area of such Changwat shall be divided into constituencies, the numbers of which equal to the numbers of members of the House of Representatives. In the case where a Changwat is divided into more constituencies than one, the boundary of each constituency shall be adjoining and the number of inhabitants in each constituency must be closely apportioned.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2016, Art. 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-constitution-of-the-kingdom-of-thailand/view;
Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 8: https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/82875/91084/F2001408222/THA82875.pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: Upon a general election of members of the House of Representatives, the Election Commission shall publish in the Government Gazette the designation of constituencies of the election on a constituency basis.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 8: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view;
Organic Act on the Election Commission, Sec. 10 (9): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The King is the Head of the State. The succession to the Throne shall be in accordance with the Palace Law on Succession, B.E. 2467.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 2: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: The King appoints the Prime Minister and not more than thirty-five other Ministers to constitute the Council of Ministers having the duty to carry out the administration of State affairs with collective accountability. The Prime Minister must be a member of the House of Representatives. The President of the House of Representatives shall countersign the Royal Command appointing the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister shall not hold office for more than eight consecutive years.The resolution of the House of Representatives approving the appointment of a person as Prime Minister shall be passed by the votes of more than one-half of the total number of the existing members of the House of Representatives.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 158, 159: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Thailand has an inherited monarchy.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 1: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The National Assembly consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 79: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: The House of Representatives consists of five hundred members, three hundred and seventy-five of whom are from the election on a constituency basis and one hundred and twenty-five of whom are from the election on a party-list basis.
In the election of members of the House of Representatives on a constituency basis, the person having the right to vote shall cast ballot for one candidate for such constituency.
In the election of members of the House of Representatives on a party-list basis, the person having the right to vote shall cast ballot for the lists of candidates prepared by political parties whereby the person having the right to vote cast ballot for one list and the area of the country is regarded as one constituency.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand Amendment No. 1 (2011), Sec. 83, 84, 85:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf;
Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view;
Regulation of the Election Commission (EC) on Rules and Procedures for Referendum Voting B.E. 2550 (2007): https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-regulation-of-the-election-commission-ec;
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:http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-regulation-on-campaign-parties-candidates/view
Verified: 2023/10/04
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: Local elections and referenda are regulated by separate Acts.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
c . Voting is compulsory and regulated in the constitution
Comments: Voting is compulsory. The person who fails to attend an election for voting without notifying the appropriate cause of such failure shall receive or lose such rights.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 50 (7): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
International IDEA Voter Turnout Database Compulsory Voting https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout-database/compulsory-voting
Verified: 2023/10/04
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . EMB
Comments: The Election Commission
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222 : https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 94: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-constitution-of-the-kingdom-of-thailand/view
Verified: 2023/10/04
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level d . Other kinds of elections (church, union, etc.) Please specify.
Comments: The Election Commission shall control and hold, or cause to be held in an honest and fair manner an election of members of the House of Representatives, or selection of members of the Senate, election of members of a local assembly and local administrators including voting in a referendum.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222: http://www.un.or.th/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016_Thailand-Draft-Constitution_EnglishTranslation_Full_Formatted_vFina....pdf
Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 10 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: The Office of the Election Commission shall submit budgetary appropriations, to be used as subsidy for the Election Commission and the Office of the Election Commission, in the Annual Budget Appropriations Bill or in the Supplementary Budget Appropriations Bill, as the case may be.The incomes and properties for the operation of the Office of the Election Commission shall consist of:
(1) State subsidies;
(2) Incomes from fees or properties of the Office of the Election Commission;
(3) Interest or benefit from finances or properties of the Office of the Election commission; and
(4) Other incomes as provided by laws.
Source: Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 38, 39: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature e . Another organ within the national government
Comments: The Office of the Election Commission shall prepare a balance sheet, finance account and working account and submit them to an auditor within ninety days after the end of the accounting year.
The Office of the Auditor-General of Thailand shall be the auditor who audits the accounts of the Office of the Election Commission and shall examine and certify all types of accounts and all types of finance of the Office of the Election Commission, as well as evaluate the expenses and properties of the Office of the Election Commission by demonstrating clearly as to how much such expenses have been made according to the objectives, how economical, and how much of the objectives have been achieved, and shall then prepare an auditing report and submit it to the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Council of Ministers without delay.
Source: Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 42: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: Election Commissioners shall hold office for a term of seven years as from the date of their appointment by the King and shall serve for only one term.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 223 (1): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments: The Election Commission is an independent organisation.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222, 223: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E.2550, Chapter II, Sec.30: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Election Commission shall consist of seven members
appointed by the King, with the advice of the Senate, as follows:
(1) five persons possessing knowledge and expertise in various academic fields beneficial to the conduct of honest and fair elections, and having apparent honesty, who have been selected by the Selection Committee;
(2) two persons possessing knowledge, expertise and experience in laws and having apparent honesty, and having in the past held a position of not lower than the Chief
Judge or Chief Prosecutor for not less than five years, who have been selected by the general meeting of the Supreme Court;
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: Article 222: Election Commission members are selected based on the following:
(1) five persons possessing knowledge and expertise in various academic fields beneficial to the conduct of honest and fair elections, and having apparent honesty, who have been selected by the Selection Committee;
(2) two persons possessing knowledge, expertise and experience in laws and having apparent honesty, and having in the past held a position of not lower than the Chief Judge or Chief Prosecutor for not less than five years, who have been selected by the
general meeting of the Supreme Court;
A person to be selected as an Election Commissioner under (1) shall have the qualifications as prescribed in Sections 232 (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) or (7), or work or have in the
past worked in the civil society sector for not less than twenty years, as specified by the Selection Committee.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222, 232: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature i . Other
Comments: The members of the Election Commission are appointed, by the King with the advice of the Senate from candidates who have been selected by the Selection Committee and the Supreme Court.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 222: https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies h . Political parties/ candidates i . Media
Comments: The Election Commission shall have the following powers and duties: To promote and support or coordinate with the State agencies, State enterprises or local government or support private organization, to educate people about democracy type that Thailand adopts a democratic regime of government with the King as Head of the State, and to promote people participation in the politics
Source: Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 10 (14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments:
Source: Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 10 (14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file;
Report of the International Election Observation Mission by The Asian Network for Free Elections on the General Elections of 3 July 2011 in Thailand: http://anfrel.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ThaiEOMReport_Edit_4-final_edit.pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies i . Yes, conducted by Political Parties/ Candidates j . Yes, conducted by the Media
Comments:
Source: Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 10 (14): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file;
Report of the International Election Observation Mission by The Asian Network for Free Elections on the General Elections of 3 July 2011 in Thailand: http://anfrel.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ThaiEOMReport_Edit_4-final_edit.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2023/10/04
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Sec. 95 (2) Being not less than eighteen years of age on 1st January of the year of the election
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 95 (2): https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence d . Naturalization e . Other
Comments: A person having the following qualifications has the right to vote at an election:
(1) Being of Thai nationality; provided that a person who has acquired Thai nationality by naturalization must hold the Thai nationality for not less than five years;
(2) Being not less than eighteen years of age on 1st January of the year of the election; and
(3) Having 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, Sec. 95:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Verified: 2023/10/04
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: After the promulgation of the Royal Decree on election of members of the House of Representatives, an election committee of a constituency shall prepare a roll of voters for each polling station and post it.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 24:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view;
Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 23: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 95:
https://constitutionnet.org/sites/default/files/2017-05/CONSTITUTION+OF+THE+KINGDOM+OF+THAILAND+(B.E.+2560+(2017)).pdf
Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007), Sec. 23: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-commission/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/04
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) c . Regional distribution requirement f . Other
Comments: Each political party shall make one list of candidates, the member of which shall not be more than one hundred and twenty-five members and the list shall be submitted to Election Commission before the date an application for candidacy in an election on the constituency basis commences. The lists of candidates shall fairly consist of candidates of different regions and regard shall be had to opportunity and approximate proportion between women and men.
Candidates in the lists shall not be the same as candidates in the lists
prepared by other political parties and shall not be the same as the candidates in an election on the constituency basis. Candidates in the lists shall be placed in numerical order.
In addition, in the case of the candidacy on a party-list basis, the leader of the political party or any person who is entrusted by him or her shall pay the fee of ten thousand Baht for each candidate.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 35, 36:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Constitution (2017) Article 90
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship c . Country of birth d . Residence f . Registration h . Minimum level of education j . Other
Comments: A person having the following qualifications has the right to be a candidate in an election of members of the House of Representatives:
(1) Thai nationality by birth;
(2) Being not less than twenty five years of age on the Election Day;
(3) Being a member of any and only one political party, for a consecutive period of not less than ninety days, except in a general election following an unexpected House dissolution, in which case he or she is required to have been a registered member of a political party not less than thirty days continuously up to the date of an election;
(4) A candidate in an election on a constituency basis shall also possess any of the following qualifications:
(a) Having his or her name appears in the house register in Changwat where he or she stands for election for a consecutive period of not less than five years up to the date of applying for candidacy;
(b) Born in the Changwat where he or she stands for the election;
(c) Having studied in an education institution situated in Changwat where he or she stands for election for a consecutive period of not less than five academic years before;
(d) Having served in the official service before or having had his or her name appear in the house register in Changwat where he or she stands for election for a consecutive period of not less than five years before.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 97: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
d . In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments: Eligible candidates for Senatorial elections shall not be members of any political party or hold any position by the political party, or if so, must have left no less than five years to the day of application or nomination.
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 107-111: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: There shall be the Fund for Development of Political Parties in the Office of the Election Commission, operating as a revolving fund for subsidizing political parties and political party development activities as prescribed by the Election Commission. The Election Commission shall have the power and duty to allocate subsidies to a political party and control the revolving fund’s expenditure for the development of political parties.
The revenue and property received by a political party shall be exempt from taxation under the Revenue Code.
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550, Sec. 73, 74, 48, 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-political-parties-b.e./at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/11
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election e . Other
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.
The State shall allocate subsidies to political parties entitled to donations at the rate of five per cent (5%) of the total amount of donations specified in all indicated intents.
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550, Sec. 75, 76: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-political-parties-b.e./at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/11
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A political party may receive revenue from the following sources:
(1) fees and political party subscriptions as prescribed by the political party’s regulations;
(2) proceeds from the sale of political party products or services;
(3) money, property or any other benefit of financial value, derived from the
political party’s fund-raising activities;
(4) money, property or any other benefit of financial value, derived from
donations to the political party;
(5) subsidies from the Fund for Development of Political Parties;
(6) accruements of money and revenue, derived from the political party’s
property;
(7) other revenues.
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550, Sec. 53: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-political-parties-b.e./at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/11
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The counting of votes shall be conducted at polling stations.
Source: Organic Act on the Election of the House of Representatives and the Senate (1998) Article 85
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
c . Automatically (triggered) recounted under certain conditions
Comments: In the case where the result of the vote-counting is inconsistent with the report on the exercise of right to vote of the committee of a polling station, the election committee of a constituency shall arrange the re-counting of votes.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 73: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
f . Based on size of legislative caucus
Comments: The Registrar shall allocate airtime to every political party which has a candidate elected as a member of the House of Representatives. In allocating such airtime, consideration will be given to the number of each political party’s members in the House of Representatives, in order that each political party may report its activities not less than twice a year free of charge under the rules and procedures prescribed by the Election Commission.
Source: Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550, Art. 79: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-political-parties-b.e./at_download/file
Verified: 2023/10/11
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Report of the International Election Observation Mission by The Asian Network for Free Elections on the General Elections of 3 July 2011 in Thailand: http://anfrel.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/ThaiEOMReport_Edit_4-final_edit.pdf (2017)
Verified: 2023/10/11
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
g . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2023/10/11
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Even though the law does not impose explicit limits on paid advertising, the Election Commission determines the amount of expenditure. Political parties cannot spend in an election an amount exceeding the amount of expenditure set by the Election Commission. This includes all money or any other property paid or promised to be paid by any person on behalf of the candidate or the political party or offered to be used for the purpose of the election campaigns without remuneration with the consent of such candidate or political party.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec.41:
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, art. 50, 166, 224:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand:
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: In case of a reasonable cause, the Council of Ministers may
request to have a public referendum conducted in respect of a matter which is not contrary to or inconsistent with the Constitution, or a matter which is not concerned with a person or a group of persons, as provided by law
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Art. 166: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Art. 165: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Art. 166: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Verified: 2023/10/11
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections d . At specially designated polling stations
Comments: At a polling station where their names appear in voter roll.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 80, 81, 82: https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
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, Art. 94: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017
Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 79 - 85: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
IDEA Voter Turnout Database; Compulsory Voting; https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/voter-turnout-database/compulsory-voting
Verified: 2023/10/11
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 84: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: The casting of vote shall be made by marking a cross on the ballot paper.
Source: Organic Act B.E. 2541 on the Election of Members of the House of Representatives and Senators, Sec. 55: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/TH/thailand-organic-act-on-the-election-of-members-of/view
Verified: 2023/10/11
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