A WEB

System of government

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

-Monarchy

-Prime Minister and Parliamentary cabinet system

- Number of Chambers (Unicameral / Bicameral) and their tenure

: Thailand’s Legislative branch is bicameral system. According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand 2007, here were the House of Representatives, and the Senate. The House of Representatives comprise of 500 members. Their term was 4 years. The Senates compose of 150 members. They assume the office for 6-year-term, only one term.

System of government-References:

 

Total population

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

65,124,716 (male: 31,999,008 female: 33,125,708)

 

Total population-References:

 

Total area (in square kilo meters)

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

513,115 square kilometers (approx. 127,008 acres)

 

Total area (in square kilo meters)-References:

 

Number of registered voters

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

48,000,000

 

Number of registered voters-References:

 

Number of registered political parties

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

72 political parties. Only two major political parties: Phue Thai Party and Democrat Party.

 

Number of registered political parties-References:

 

Number of polling stations

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Average number of voters per polling station

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Voting age

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

18 years old.

 

Voting age-References:

 

Elected Offices

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

The House of Representatives(500 members), The Senate(150 members).

 

Elected Offices-References:

 

Election system

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

-Members of the House of Representatives were elected directly by the people. There were 375 members from 375 constituencies over the country, directly elected from constituency basis, and each MP represented approximately 150,000 people. Votes can vote for only one candidate in their own constituency.  The remaining 125 members were from the proportional basis (party-list), elected by calculation of the percentage of votes the party received. A political party shall prepare one list of 125 names of candidates, arranged in the numerical order.

 

 

- 77 members were directly elected by the people in 77 provinces. One member represented one province. The remaining 73 members were from the selection by the Selection Committee. The senatorial candidate could not be a member of a political party.

 

 

 

Election system-References:

 

Terms of office

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

The Prime Minister is appointed by the monarch to serve a 4-year term.

In the Senate, 74 members are appointed and 76 members are elected by single non-transferable vote. In the House of Representatives, 375 members are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies to serve 4-year terms and 125 members are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system to serve 4-year terms.

Terms of office-References:

 

Election

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

Thai general election, 2011

 

Election-References:

 

Date

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

3 July 2011

 

Date-References:

 

Political parties in the elections

Last Updated : 2016-11-30

**Eligible by number of seats won

- Pheu Thai Party

- Democrat Party (Phak Prachathipat)

- Bhumjaithai Party (BJT)

- Chartthaipattana Party

- National Development Party for the Homeland (Pheua Pandin Party)

- Phalang Chon Party

 

Political parties in the elections-References:

 

Number of elected candidates

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

500 seats in the House of Representatives

 

Number of elected candidates-References:

 

Voter turnout

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

75.03%

 

Voter turnout-References:

 

Number of ballots cast

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

35,209,607

 

Number of ballots cast-References:

 

Legal framework for elections

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

       i.         The Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007) and the 1st amendment

and  2nd  B.E. 2554 (2011)

      ii.         The Organic Act on the Election Commission B.E. 2550 (2007) and the 1st 

and 2nd amendment B.E. 2554 (2011)

     iii.         The Organic Act on Election of Members of the House of Representatives

and Installation of Senators B.E. 2550 (2007) and the 2nd  amendment 

B.E. 2554 (2011)

     iv.         The Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2550 (2007) and the amendment No.2

B.E. 2554 (2011)

      v.         The Organic Act on Referendum B.E. 2552 (2009)

     vi.         The Act on the Election of Members of Local Administrators

B.E. 2554 (2011)

 

Legal framework for elections-References:

 

Legal provisions

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, art. 138 (4), 163, 164, 165 

Legal provisions-References:

 

Referenda

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Even though there have been provisionsregarding a referendum in many Thai constitutions, Thailand has so far ever hadonly one voting in a referendum on 19th August 2007 held according to sections29, 31, and 32 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim) 2006for the Thai citizens to vote for or against the draft of constitution.  The result was the majority of voters’turnout approved it.

For this upcoming referendum, theConstitution of the Kingdom of Thailand (Interim) 2014 (1st Amendment) 2015,section 39/1, defines that when the Constitution Drafting Committee finishesdrafting the constitution, the Election Commission of Thailand shall hold areferendum for citizens to approve or disapprove the draft of constitution.

Thus, this referendum is the expression ofcitizens’ views through voting before their decisions on the constitution areenforced.

 

-What are the benefits of this referendumto vote for or against the draft of constitution?

: This is the 2nd referendum of Thailandheld for citizens to approve or disapprove the whole draft of constitutionprepared by the Constitution Drafting Committee.  Citizens can make their decisions throughvoting before its enforcement.  Exerciseof voting right at this time is therefore very important.  Followings are what citizens will get fromthe referendum:

I.      The constitution is the supremelaw of the country  provisions to protect rights and liberty of allcitizens.  Citizens as the owners ofsovereignty must have an opportunity to express their positions in approving ordisapproving the draft of the constitution through this referendum.

II.    The referendum could cultivateawareness of public participation and be another aspect of civic education.

 

III.   Citizens get a good chance tolearn and understand their rights, duties, and liberty including other essenceof the constitution.

IV.   The Constitution of the Kingdomof Thailand (Interim) 2014 (1st Amendment) 2015 defines that if the majority ofvotes approves the draft of constitution, the prime minister shall present thedraft of constitution to the king within 30 days as of the result isannounced.  When the king graciouslysigns upon the constitution, it will then be published in the governmentgazette and enforced.

In brief, thisvoting in referendum, which will be held for citizens to approve ordisapprove the draft of   constitution,has important impacts on Thailand and its democratic government regime. Theresult will determine the fundamental rules, regulations, including future ofthe country.

So, every citizen must take part in thishistorical event and turn out to vote for expressing their views to defineThailand’s direction.

Referenda-References:

 

People’s Initiatives

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

N/A

 

People’s Initiatives-References:

 

Recall Votes

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, Sec. 164

 

Recall Votes-References:

 

Official name

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

The Election Commission of Thailand.

 

 

Official name -References:

 

Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

 

In order to achieve its mission, the ECT is empowered by the constitution and the relevant electoral organic laws with the following powers and duties:

       i.         To conduct national and local election as well as referendum in an honest and fair manner.

      ii.         To issue notification and regulations in order to achieve honest and fair election campaigns for political parties, political candidates, and eligible voters as well as determining measure for the State in equally supporting election campaign.

     iii.         To conduct fact-finding investigations and inquires in order to reach decision on electoral problems and disputes.

     iv.         To order a new round of election or referendum if there is credible evidence indicating electoral irregularities or fraud.

      v.         To conduct civic education regarding the democratic regime with the King as the Head of State, including promoting political public participation.

     vi.         To determine measures of controlling donation to political parties including inspecting financial account and controlling expenses and receipt of political parties.

    vii.         To announce the results of election and referendum voting.

Mission, Vision, Key Objectives, Functions-References:

 

Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

Independent

Type of EMB(independent, governmental, mixed)-References:

 

EMB budget source

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

The legislature - Other

 

EMB budget source-References:

 

EMB expenditure audit

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

The legislature
Another organ within the national government

 

EMB expenditure audit-References:

 

Number of EMB members (commissioners)

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

5 members (1 Chairman and 4 Commissioners)

Number of EMB members (commissioners)-References:

 

Term of EMB members (commissioners)

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

7 Year-term (non-renewable)

 

Term of EMB members (commissioners)-References:

 

Who appoints members (commissioners)?

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

To be appointed by the King with the advice of the Senate.

 

Who appoints members (commissioners)?-References:

 

Selection of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Administrative divisions

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

 76 Provinces

 1 Special Administrative Division

Administrative divisions -References:

 

Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district)

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

constituencies are delimited for election purposes

 

Delimitation of constituencies(electoral district) -References:

 

Criteria for drawing boundaries

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Equality of population, Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries

 

Criteria for drawing boundaries-References:

 

Body responsible for drawing boundaries

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Electoral Management Body (EMB) 

Body responsible for drawing boundaries-References:

 

Requirements on the right to vote

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

       i.         Being of Thai nationality; provided that a person who has acquired Thai nationality

by naturalization must hold the Thai nationality for not less than five years;

      ii.         Being not less than eighteen years of age on 1st January of the year of the election;

     iii.         Having his or her name appears on the house register in the constituency for not less

than ninety days up to the date of the election.

 

Requirements on the right to vote-References:

 

Reasons for having the right to vote revoked

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

       i.         Being a monk, novice, Brahmin priest, or clergy;

      ii.         Being under suspension of the right to vote;

     iii.         Being detained by a warrant of the Court or by a lawful order;

     iv.         Being of unsound mind or of mental infirmity.

 

 

Reasons for having the right to vote revoked-References:

 

Electoral Eligibility

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Reasons for having the eligibility revoked

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Requirements for party registration

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Deposit requirement (specify amount) - Regional distribution requirement - other

Requirements for party registration-References:

 

Candidate nomination

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2)

Candidate nomination-References:

 

Candidate Registration (National Assembly members)

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

- Requirement

Age
Citizenship
Country of birth
Residence
Registration
Minimum level of education
Other

Candidate Registration (National Assembly members) -References:

 

Candidate registration deposit

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

- Amount of fee

- Return of fee

Uncontested Election

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Preparation of the voters list

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

A continuous register (voter data is continuously collected and d between electoral events)

 

Preparation of the voters list-References:

 

Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

Yes 

Whether the registration is compulsory (or not)-References:

 

Who is responsible for the voters list

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

The Election Commission shall arrange to have electoral rolls of each province regularly prepared from the household registers

 

Who is responsible for the voters list -References:

 

Voters list preparation procedure

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Inspection and objection procedure

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Definition

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Period

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Methods

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Prohibited forms of campaigning

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

- Who is not permitted to campaign

Campaign Finance

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

- Campaign expense limit

- Income and expenditure of campaign expense

- Report, public inspection, and open of income and expenditure

- Investigation on income and expenditure of campaign expense & actions

- Reimbursement of campaign expense

Presiding officers

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

① How many of officers in a polling station

② Roles of each officer

③ How we nominate the officers

Facilities or items a polling station is equipped with

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Polling station location criteria

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Voting hours

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

am08:00 ~ pm15:00

 

Voting hours-References:

 

Voting

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

① Is compulsory or voluntary?

② How many ballot papers are distributed to each voter?

Ballot Paper

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

① Determination of the order of candidates on ballots

② What has to be included in the ballot paper?

③ Ballot paper design or sample ballot paper

④ Valid and invalid ballot paper

Voting Procedures

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

 

Before casting of vote commences, the Polling Station Committee counts the total number of the ballot papers of such station and post up a notification of that number of the ballot papers of such station at the conspicuous place. When the polling is commenced, the Committee shall publicly open the ballot box for the voters presenting at the polling place to see that box is empty and then close the box.

 

1) Process of voter Identification

               i.         A voter must identify himself or herself by displaying his or her identification card of other evidences as prescribed by the Election Commission to the polling station committee, i.e. Passport; Driver license card.

 

              ii.         The Committee examines that voter’s presence with the electoral roll.   If there is any objection, the Committee records the number of an ID card and issuing place in the roll and order a voter to sign or take fingerprint on it as evidence.

             iii.         The Committee gives a ballot paper to such person for voting.

 

2) Casting of Vote

: By marking a cross in a space on a ballot paper. In case where a voter intends to cast a vote for non-voting, the voter could make a cross in the space of non-voting, after that voter s a ballot paper in a ballot box.

Voting Procedures -References:

 

Marking method

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Special voting (Absentee / Early / Proxy / Assisted / Postal / etc)

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

① Who are subjected to do

② Voting procedures

Counting Location

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

 

 

The votes counting shall be publicly carried out at a polling place.

When the votes counting at the polling place is completed, the Committee of polling station shall publicly announce the result of the votes counting in such polling station, including the total number of ballot papers, the number of used ballot papers, the number of the remaining ballot papers and shall make a report of the votes counting to the Constituency Election Committee.

 

 

 

Counting Location-References:

 

Counting period

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Vote counting method

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Counting Procedures

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

- Start of counting

- Process of counting

- End of counting

When are ballots recounted?

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

In the case where the result of the vote-counting is inconsistent with the report on the exercise of right to vote of the committee of a polling station, the election committee of a constituency shall arrange the re-counting of votes.

 

When are ballots recounted?-References:

 

Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

Voters who were residing outside the Kingdom of Thailand have the right to vote.

 

Who is eligible to vote for overseas voting?-References:

 

Overseas voters list preparation

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Where to vote

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

Royal Thai Embassies, the Consulates, or other central polling stations as prescribed by the Ambassadors. In case there were less than 500 registered voters in a country, or the transportation was not convenient, the Ambassadors should allow the postal vote.

 

Where to vote-References:

 

Voting procedure for early voting

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Methods used to transport ballot papers

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Counting procedure

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

How is the elected candidate chosen in the case of a tie?

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Apportioning of National Assembly seats

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Results Announcement

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Is the announcement of preliminary result required?

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Deadline for announcement of final results

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Reason for holding a by- or re-election

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

By-election dates

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Electoral process

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

Based on size of legislative caucus 

Criteria for allocating free broadcast time-References:

 

Television debates

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

in legislative elections 

Television debates-References:

 

Blackout period for release of election survey results

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

N/A

 

Blackout period for release of election survey results-References:

 

Electoral dispute resolution body

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

EMB 

Electoral dispute resolution body-References:

 

Electoral dispute resolution mechanism

Last Updated : 2016-11-21

 

Section 114 A voter, candidate orpolitical party candidate or candidates

standing for an election in aconstituency shall have the right to petition the Election

Commission for the reason that the election in such constituency has not been fair or legal.

The person under paragraph one may petition before the day of the announcement of the results of election or within thirty days as from that day save the petition according to the reasons under Section 50 or Section 52 which shall be made within one hundred andeighty days as from the day of the announcement of the results thereof.

When the Election Commissionhas received the petition, it shall promptly conduct a

factual investigation and inquiry. 

Electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:

 

Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism

Last Updated : 2016-12-02

N/A

 

Alternative electoral dispute resolution mechanism-References:

 

Direct public funding

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

If so, eligibility criteria for direct public funding: The 2007 Constitution prescribed the Election Commission of Thailand or ECT was an independent statutory body a duty to provide financial support or other benefits to political parties to proceed any political activity to be in accordance with the will of democratic regime. The Fund operates as revolving fund for subsidizing political parties their development as prescribed by the Election Commission.

 

 

- If so, how this fund will be allocated

The Fund consists of the following money and assets.

       i.         Money received from budgetary appropriations

      ii.         Money received from donations;

     iii.         Application fees for candidacy in an election of members of the House of Representatives

     iv.         Fines received from administrative or criminal penalties under the Organic Act on Political Parties

      v.         Money or property acquired by a political party in contravention of the Organic Act on Political Parties

     vi.         Money or assets devolved to the Fund when a political party loses its status, is terminated or dissolved

    vii.         Fruits of the Fund

Direct public funding-References:

 

Private funding of political parties

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

A political party may receive revenue from the following sources: (1) fees and political party subscriptions as prescribed by the political party’s regulations; (2) proceeds from the sale of political party products or services; (3) money, property or any other benefit of financial value, derived from the political party’s fund-raising activities; (4) money, property or any other benefit of financial value, derived from donations to the political party; (5) subsidies from the Fund for Development of Political Parties; (6) accruements of money and revenue, derived from the political party’s property; (7) other revenues.

Private funding of political parties-References:

 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

Sanctions include Fines, Prison, Forfeiture, and Loss of political rights

 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation-References:

 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

EMB 

Regulation, monitoring and investigation bodies-References:

 

Which electoral processes are using ICTs?

Last Updated : 2016-11-01

N/A

Which electoral processes are using ICTs? -References:

 

When it was introduced

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

N/A

 

When it was introduced-References:

 

Gender equality

Last Updated : 2016-11-08

79 of 500 (16%) seats in the Saphaphuthan Ratsadon / House of Representatives are held by women. 

Gender equality-References:

 

Aids for disabled or handicapped voters

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

For the purpose of facilitating the people with disability or the elderly in casting their votes, the Election Commission shall provide facilitation or assistance on the vote-casting specifically for the disabled or elderly under the supervision of the Polling Station Committee. Such facilitation or assistance shall however allow the disabled or the elderly to cast a vote himself or herself and shall proceed in a manner to preserve the direct and secret nature of the vote-casting.

 

 

Aids for disabled or handicapped voters -References:

 

Voter education

Last Updated : 2016-11-21

Election time only

 

Voter education-References:

 

National civic education

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

The 2007 Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand stipulated that the Election Commission of Thailand is the independent body, and had power and duty to promote and support government and private organization to educate the people about a democratic regime with the King as Head of State, and to promote political public people participation.

The Election Commission of Thailand has been working to get the public involved in political and electoral process, and continuing to provide and enhance knowledge and comprehension of democratic consciousness among the people. The OECT has cooperated with organizations to conduct civic education and promote the public participation in politics, for example, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Interior, Universities, The Public Prosecution, and so on. 

The activities above mentioned are categorized in 3 forms; 1) Producing various kinds of medias, brochures, booklets and monthly journals; 2) Training the trainers; DJ Democracy, ECT Voluntary Scouts, Student’s Leaders for Electoral Campaign; 3) Conducting electoral campaign projects, civic education projects, and etc.

 

National civic education-References:

 

EMB Staff education

Last Updated : 2016-12-13

N/A

 

EMB Staff education-References:

 

Domestic observation

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

International observation

Last Updated : 2016-11-21

Following an invitation from the Election Commission of Thailand, ANFREL organized an international election observation mission to observe Thailand's election for the House of Representatives scheduled on 3rd July 2011.

International observation-References:

 

Partnerships/MoUs

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

International Activities

Last Updated : 2016-05-03

Major challenges to elections

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

Since October 2013, the political conflict had emerged and continued to the long protest of people for more than 6 months. During the time, problems in many sectors had been occurred. The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), comprising military and police forces, then seized and took control of the State Administration on 22nd May, 2014.  In addition to declaring the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2550 (2007), except the provisions of Chapter II the King, come to end.

 

 

Major challenges to elections-References:

 

Measures taken to deal with those Challenges

Last Updated : 2016-08-24

The NCPO planned to reform the country 3 steps:

                       i.         The first and most urgent phrase was to deter the use of illegal force and lethal weapons, to cease public mistrust and to alleviate economic, social, political and administrative problems accumulated for more than six months.

                      ii.         The second phrase was to bring into force the Interim Constitution in order to establish the National Legislative Assembly to exercise the legislative power and the Council of Ministers to exercise the executive power so as to restore national peace and order, public unification and justice, to solve economic, social, political and administrative problems and to enact urgent and necessity legislations. The National Reform Council and other necessary entities shall be established to drive political and other reformations systematically. The new Constitution laying down appropriate political system, measures for prevention and suppression of corruption and efficient, effective and fair measures for examination of the exercise of State powers shall also be drafted and completed within this phrase.

                     iii.         The last and final phase, elections will be organized. All these missions shall be handed on to the representatives and the Council of Ministers under the new Constitution.

 

The New Constitution of Thailand B.E. 2558 (2015) adopts ensuring to legalize by the Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC) shall come to force by the end within 2015.

The Election Commission shall arrange to have the drafts to people before provide for the Referendum. Elections for Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate should be conducted in the year 2017. And for the roles and duties of the Election Commission of Thailand and the Office of the Election Commission of Thailand, as well as elections management at all levels may be changed.

 

Even though the constitution recognizes Thailand as a democratic state and the people as sovereign, the constitution grant amnesty for all past and future military action concerning the coup and invests the NCPO with vast powers, including the power by which the NCPO leader can issue any order at will for the sake of the reforms or security. All orders so issued are considered lawful and final.

 

Measures taken to deal with those Challenges-References: