High turnout anticipated for municipal elections this Sunday, forecasted to reach 70%
Ready for the polls! Thailand's municipality elections are happening on Sunday, and we've got the lowdown on this bustling event. Expect a whopping 70% turnout at the booths, as the EC sets its sights on a much-improved 70%, compared to the 60% turnout from 2021.
The competition is heating up in some major metropolitan areas like Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Pattaya, where candidates are digging their heels in for a fierce showdown.
Candidates, be warned! The EC has strict rules in place, and anyone flouting these guidelines can face up to six months in the slammer or a whopping fine of 10,000 baht. And if you obstruct voters from exercising their rights, you could end up serving a five-year stretch and losing your voting privileges for a decade. Employers who try to limit their employees' voting rights could also find themselves facing a two-year sentence and a 40,000 baht fine.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room – the alcohol ban. Alcohol sales are normally forbidden from 6 pm on election eve until 6 pm on election day. But this year's election coincides with Visaka Bucha day, so the ban has been extended until 11:59 pm. However, in selected venues like international airports, conference centers, and hotels in major tourist areas, alcohol sales are allowed under a recent government loosening of restrictions. But in Hua Hin, where the election spirit is high, police say they'll still be enforcing a 36-hour ban, from 6 pm Saturday to 11:59 pm Sunday.
As for the readiness of the cities, Khon Kaen is 100% prepared, weather permitting. With 78,941 eligible voters, the municipality has coordinated with the provincial election office to prepare for possible flooding and power blackouts, should the stormy skies come calling. So, cast your vote and prepare for an exciting election day, Thailand!
Jiraphattanalak, a candidate in Pattaya, intensifies his campaigns in anticipation of the municipality elections on Sunday. The candidates are reminded that the EC strictly enforces policy-and-legislation regarding campaigns, with penalties of up to six months in prison or a 10,000 baht fine for violations. Despite the ongoing alcohol ban starting at 5pm on Saturday in most areas due to the election, certain venues in major tourist areas are granted exceptions. Meanwhile, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and other metropolitan cities witness intense competition among candidates, with a record-breaking 100,000 eligible voters in Khon Kaen preparing for the election, provided the weather cooperates.
