Elections in Thailand (1)
It's time! The Thai people go to the polls for the first verkiezingen since the junta took power five years ago. If it is not postponed again – that has already happened several times – it is Sunday 24 March 2019 the election day.
Who can vote?
Anyone who has held Thai nationality for at least 5 years and is 18 years or older on Election Day can participate in the election. In other words, the Thai who wants to vote was born on or before March 24, 2001. However, an exception applies to monks, novices, prisoners, people with mental disorders or others whose right to vote has been revoked, so they are not allowed to vote.
The Electoral Council
The Election Commission sends voters an invitation to their registered home address in the district no later than 20 days before Election Day, stating at which polling station they are expected. One can also check the name and location of the polling places on the official website www.khonthai.com
Outside the precinct
Voters who wish to cast their vote outside their own district can register online until midnight on February 19, 2019 via the link: election.bora.dopa.go.th/ectoutvote. They will be allowed to vote earlier at a designated polling station in their place of residence from 08.00 a.m. to 17.00 p.m. on March 17, 2019
Outside of Thailand
Voters who live or stay abroad on election day can also cast their vote earlier. They also have until midnight of February 19, 2019 to register via the link: election.bora.dopa.go.th/ectabroad.
Depending on their place of residence, this early voting will take place from 4 to 16 March 2019. Information on exactly how, where and when to vote abroad is also explained at that link.
Election Day
The polling stations will be open on election day from 08.00:17.00 to 13:XNUMX (so two hours longer than before). Voters must show their Thai ID card, and expired ID cards are also accepted. In the absence of an ID card, one can also show another official Thai government document, on which their XNUMX-digit ID number is stated, such as a driver's license or passport.
Finally
The above information is not in itself important for foreigners, but is intended as advice for their possible Thai partner. Foreigners in Thailand should still know that there is a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages throughout Thailand from Saturday, March 23, 18.00 p.m. to 18.00 p.m. on Election Day. However, drinking alcohol is not prohibited, so make sure that your fridge is stocked in time if necessary.
No one will miss the fact that the elections are coming up.
For example, there are already cars driving around with heavy sound systems to disturb your peace.
Of course they also cause extra traffic jams and are therefore good for the high particulate matter levels.
But this is Thailand and so they just advise to put on a mask.
Is the vote for the Thai voluntary, or is it compulsory? In other words, is voting a right or an obligation? Not so long ago I read on this blog that it would be an obligation, now suddenly something else is being told… What are the facts?
Voting is mandatory according to the constitution. If you don't, you can, for example (I say from memory) be excluded from certain government functions.
The duties of Thai nationals under the Constitution:
—
CHAPTER IV. DUTIES OF THE THAI PEOPLE
SECTION 50
A person shall have the following duties:
1.to protect and uphold the Nation, religions, the King and the democratic regime of government with the King as Head of State;
2.to defend the country, to protect and uphold honor and interests of the Nation, and public domain of State, as well as to cooperate in preventing and mitigating disasters;
3. to strictly observe the law;
4.to enroll in compulsory education;
5.to serve in armed forces as provided by law;
6. to respect and not to violate the rights and liberties of other people and not to commit any act which may cause disharmony or hatred in society;
7. to freely exercise his or her right to vote in an election or referendum, taking into account the common interests of the country as prime concerns;
8.to cooperate and support the conservation and protection of the environment, natural resources, biodiversity, and cultural heritage;
9.to pay taxes and duties as prescribed by law;
10.not to participate in or support all forms of dishonest act and wrongful conduct
—
Sources:
- https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Thailand_2017?lang=en
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Thailand
- https://asiafoundation.org/2016/08/10/thai-voters-approve-new-constitution-need-know/
In section 95 you can read who can vote: Thai nationals who are 18+ rn registered in the home address registration booklet (thabiejen job). If you are unable to vote, you must report this in time, otherwise measures may follow.
In section 96 you can read who is not allowed to vote: monks, people who have been disenfranchised (even if this has not yet been definitively determined), people in custody and people who are not clear-headed.
Prayut has had the election in his pocket for a long time and the whole fuss around it is just a farce.
This election will not be fair because no dictator will give up his power to go back to barracks No Way.
Advice to foreigners NOT to wear yellow or red colored clothing and preferably avoid Bangkok.
It would be best to go to a neighboring country and enjoy yourself because foreigners would rather see the Thai go than come.
TonyM