Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) clarified that for the Bangkok and Pattaya elections, images of celebrities and party executives can be used alongside candidates on campaign posters.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT has stipulated that consent must be obtained from the individuals whose images are used, and all campaign materials must adhere to the regulations regarding size, quantity, and location.
The ECT has issued comprehensive guidelines for the upcoming elections for the Bangkok Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Council members, Pattaya Mayor, and Pattaya City Council members. These regulations are designed to ensure compliance with the Local Council Member and Local Executive Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and its subsequent amendments, as well as the Election Commission's regulations on campaign practices. Specific dimensions for campaign materials have been set, with campaign notices limited to 30 cm in width and 42 cm in length, while campaign signs may not exceed 130 cm in width and 245 cm in length.
Candidates are permitted to include various details on their campaign signs, such as their name, photograph, candidate number, political party name, party symbol, policies, motto, slogan, and personal biography. It is mandatory to clearly display the name, surname, and address of the employer or producer, along with the quantity and production date on all campaign materials.
Consent is a critical factor when using images or information related to political parties or individuals in campaign materials. Such usage must not infringe upon Section 34 of the Local Council Member or Local Administrator Election Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and its amendments. Furthermore, images of candidates for local council members or local administrators within the same organization may be used.
The Election Commission of the local administrative organization is expected to announce new guidelines concerning the permissible number of campaign posters and signs, the criteria for their production, and the designated locations for their display. For the elections in Bangkok and Pattaya, candidates are restricted to producing campaign announcements up to 10 times the number of polling stations and campaign signs up to 5 times the number of polling stations within each jurisdiction, with all materials to be displayed only in designated areas.