No Alcohol, No Campaigning: EC Enforces Strict Election Rules
EC bans alcohol sales and campaigning during two election periods: Jan 31-Feb 1 and Feb 7-8. Violators face up to 6 months in prison or a fine.
To ensure transparency in the 2026 General Election, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a red-level regulation that applies to both businesses and candidates, as follows:
Ban 1: No Sale or Serving of Alcohol
The law mandates "the prohibition of selling, distributing, or serving all types of alcohol" within the election precincts to reduce the risk of election law violations during the critical periods:
- Advance Election (February 1, 2026):
- From 6:00 PM on Friday, January 31, until 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 1.
- Official Election Day (February 8, 2026):
- From 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, until 6:00 PM on Sunday, February 8.
Warning for Businesses:
This law also covers "social gatherings" and public drinking. Anyone who violates this regulation faces up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Ban 2: No Campaign Advertising
This ban extends beyond alcohol to include all "voices" and "advertising" during the restricted periods:
- From 6:00 PM on Friday, January 31, until midnight on Saturday, February 1.
- Scope: Prohibited campaigning at polling stations and nearby areas, including online media that could influence voters' decisions.
On the official Election Day (February 8, 2026):
- From 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, until midnight on Sunday, February 8.
Penalties:
- If violated, the penalty is up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
Ban 3: No Referendum Campaigning
- From 6:00 PM on February 7, 2026, until 5:00 PM on February 8, 2026, campaigning for or against the election or voter turnout is strictly prohibited.
Penalty:
- Violators face up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
- The Election Commission (EC) has announced a ban on the sale, distribution, or serving of all alcoholic beverages during the advance voting (January 31 - February 1, 2026) and the official election day (February 7 - 8, 2026), starting from 6:00 PM of the previous day.
- Campaigning in any form, including online advertisements, is also prohibited during the same time period to prevent influencing voters.
- Violators of these regulations, including the sale of alcohol and campaign activities during the restricted periods, face up to 6 months in prison, a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.
