Election Commission Sets Up Provincial News Teams to Combat Vote Fraud
Thailand's Election Commission is establishing provincial news teams and compiling lists of vote brokers to combat election fraud, partnering with national intelligence agencies to strengthen field operations ahead of upcoming by-elections.
The Election Commission has upgraded its news operations by establishing news teams in every province and compiling lists of vote brokers and influential figures to prevent election fraud. Election Commissioner Sittichai Inthrawisai announced the plan following a workshop on August 14, 2025, at Centara Life Ratchada Government Center, aimed at strengthening information gathering to prevent violations of election law, investigations, prosecutions, and court proceedings.
Sittichai explained that the commission invited intelligence units from across the country—including the National Intelligence Agency, police, and navy—as well as the Interior Ministry, all of which have networks in every province. He noted that elections at all levels face persistent problems with vote buying, vote selling, and other fraudulent practices, but the Election Commission lacks its own field operatives. To address this gap, the commission is requesting cooperation from these national intelligence bodies, which have the legal authority to assist.
The commissioner stated that once nationwide agreement is reached on procedures, the Election Commission will establish its own news operations system by setting up news teams in every province, leveraging legal authority to seek intelligence cooperation and build formal news-gathering infrastructure. He added that the law allows the commission to allocate a budget for these activities to ensure fair and just elections. He described this day as the start of the commission's proactive news operations effort, expecting it to improve future elections and reduce vote buying.
When asked whether the system can be deployed immediately in the Udon Thani House by-election, Sittichai confirmed that he has assigned two deputies to oversee upcoming elections in Udon Thani, Kalasin, Nonthaburi, and Khon Kaen, requiring new approaches rather than repeating past methods. The commission will take preventive action before elections whenever possible and issue urgent measures, while developing a formal long-term system.
Regarding whether high-risk areas will be identified, Sittichai said the commission must establish a work system for that purpose. One planned element is gathering provincial data on vote brokers and influential figures and creating lists of them. With this information, management becomes easier, allowing the commission to target resources effectively based on each area's level of risk.
