Bangkok: A recent survey has highlighted a significant issue in the upcoming municipal elections, finding that vote buying is prevalent, with payments reaching up to 4,000 baht per person. The survey indicates a strong public disdain for candidates involved in corruption, with a majority of voters favoring those with anti-corruption policies.
According to Thai News Agency, the survey was conducted by the For Thai People Foundation in collaboration with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand). The survey, titled ‘Public Opinion Survey on the Election of Municipal Council Members and Mayors,’ gathered responses from 1,020 individuals nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2025. The participants included 711 eligible voters aged 18 and over, and 309 non-eligible voters aged 15-17.
Among those aged 18 and over, 66.1 percent reported being aware of corruption among local politicians. The survey identified common forms of corruption, including bribes for licenses (18 percent), kickbacks for procurements (17.8 percent), and allowing grey businesses to operate unchecked (14.7 percent).
The survey results show a strong public desire to combat corruption, with 94.7 percent wanting to participate in addressing the issue locally. Furthermore, 68 percent of respondents stated they would not vote for candidates lacking an anti-corruption policy. The survey also found that 65.9 percent of people cannot tolerate corrupt candidates, even if their policies benefit the area.
Regarding vote buying, 47.4 percent of the public expects it to occur in the upcoming election, with an average cost of 1,110 baht per person. A significant 86.4 percent believe that vote buying does not influence voter choice, and 84.2 percent disapprove of the practice. Additionally, 86.1 percent of respondents stated they would not vote for candidates who engage in vote buying, even after accepting payments.
The survey also revealed that 79 percent of participants would not support candidates with a proven history of corruption. Despite skepticism about the current electoral system’s ability to deliver competent leaders, 87.9 percent of respondents plan to vote on May 11, 2025.
Among the younger demographic aged 15-17, dissatisfaction with current municipal leaders is prevalent, with more than half perceiving a lack of transparency. If given the opportunity to vote, 77.3 percent would refrain from supporting candidates without anti-corruption policies, and 67.3 percent would not tolerate corrupt candidates, regardless of their achievements.
The survey predicts significant financial activity during the elections, with millions of baht circulating among eligible voters. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanawat Polvichai emphasized the importance of rejecting corrupt candidates and the role of public awareness in influencing voter decisions. He urged the Election Commission to address the issue of vote buying.
Mr. Wichian Phongsathorn of the For Thai People Foundation highlighted the public’s awareness of widespread corruption and the desire for continued monitoring post-election. Dr. Mana Nimitmongkol from the Anti-Corruption Organization of Thailand expressed concern over the high cost of vote buying and the need for greater enforcement against corrupt practices.