EC Permits Flood Donations Up to 300,000 Baht by Politicians
The Election Commission has allowed the prime minister, politicians, and political parties to use personal funds to help flood victims, setting a limit of 300,000 baht per occasion for individuals and up to 3 million baht for parties. The guidance, issued on October 8, 2026, exempts such disaster‑related donations from being counted as election expenses as long as they stay within the limits. Amounts exceeding the caps must be added to future election costs, and violators may face penalties under election law.
The Election Commission said that, under Section 65 of the Organic Act on Elections of Members of the House of Representatives, donations made after the election expense calculation period are normally considered election expenditures. However, the law provides exemptions for customary giving or contributions made for a reasonable cause, as defined by the EC, which includes assistance to people affected by disasters such as fires, storms, floods, landslides, and other public hazards. For customary donations, the limit is 3,000 baht per occasion. For disaster‑related aid, political parties may give up to 3 million baht per instance, while office‑holding party members, MPs, and other political officials may contribute up to 300,000 baht each time. Any amount given beyond these limits must be counted toward the donor’s or party’s election expenses for the next election. Failure to follow the rules could result in penalties under Sections 154 and 155 of the Organic Act on Elections. The prime minister, classified as a political office‑holder, is subject to the same 300,000‑baht ceiling for disaster assistance, with excess amounts similarly added to the party’s future election costs.
