The Royal Thai Police has issued a warning that wearing apparel emblazoned with the insignia of political parties or the names of their candidates during the upcoming general election on May 13-14 could constitute illegal campaigning and result in a hefty fine or even imprisonment.
According to election law, all political campaigns must end by 6 p.m. the day before the election. According to a notice posted on Facebook by the Royal Thai Police yesterday (May 10), campaigning will be prohibited from 6 p.m. on Saturday (May 13) to 6 p.m. on Sunday (May 14) for this year’s elections.
Election day clothing restrictions issued by police
The police notice states, “Campaigning by any means, whether or not it is detrimental to a candidate or political party, is prohibited. When entering a polling station, refrain from displaying symbols that are considered campaign advertisements, such as logos, numbers, and symbols of political parties or candidates, on your apparel, bags, or headwear.
“This may be considered a campaign advertisement and punished under the election law with imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to B10,000, or both,” reads the police notice.
Also applicable to everyone in the country is the prohibition on the sale of alcohol from 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, through 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 14. Violators face a fine of up to B10,000 or up to six months in prison, or both.
The notice posted by the police prior to early voting on May 7 also prohibited “alcohol distribution” and “alcohol consumption gathering.” On the main voting day, there are no indications that the regulations will be different.
