PUBLISHED: 23 May 2024 at 18: 45
The Election Commission (EC ) stressed on Thursday how crucial it is that all Senate election candidates follow election rules that prohibit them from doing seven things that might unfairly give them advantages over other candidates.
The EC said in a declaration released the day before the deadline for the membership of the upcoming election of the new 200 legislators that any violations of the rules could result in a maximum sentence of one year in prison, a maximum fine of 20 000 baht, and a five-year ban from casting an election.
The EC stated that all individuals and their helpers are prohibited from mentioning or making any mention of the king when introducing themselves for the poll.
Next, individuals who are commentators or who work in the media or show firms are prohibited from using their job to make an entrance into the Senate vote.
Third, it is against the law for applicants to distribute or post advertisements that introduce themselves as individuals.
Individuals are also prohibited from uttering foul language during their official launch and verbally provoking social unrest.
They are also prohibited from introducing themselves on TV, stereo, and print advertising.
It is also forbidden to intentionally violate any or all of the above-mentioned laws.
Last but not least, all individuals may not permit political party execs or those in charge of local elections, including local leaders.
The EC advised all individuals to thoroughly read Sections 36 and 70 of the 2018 natural laws regarding the structure of the Senate and the EC’s rules pertaining to the self-introduction of prospects for the 2024 Senate vote.
During May 10- 20, a total of 34, 847 people asked for applications, with Bangkok recording the highest number of people asking for applications (3, 217 people ), followed by the northeastern province of Si Sa Ket ( 1, 834 ) and the northern province of Chiang Mai ( 1, 594 ), the EC said.
Phangnga (60 ), Bueng Kan ( 67 ), and Yala ( 78 ) are the three provinces with the fewest applicants.
When grouped into regions, the Northeastern region has 10, 243 people asking for the applications, followed by the Southern region (6, 208 ), the Northern region (5, 281 ), the Eastern region (2, 075 ) and the Western region ( 1, 761 ), the EC said.