Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has issued a stern reminder to candidates and political parties to submit detailed accounts of their election income and expenses for the parliamentary elections held on February 8, 2026. According to the ECT, all submissions must be completed by May 11.
According to Thai News Agency, the ECT has mandated that all candidates for constituency-based Members of Parliament (MPs), as well as the leaders of political parties who fielded candidates for the party-list MPs, must prepare an accurate and complete account of their election income and expenditures. The required documentation must encompass all expenses already incurred as well as any outstanding payments, accompanied by all pertinent documents and evidence. The submission must bear the signature of either the constituency-based MP candidate or the political party leader, certifying the accuracy and completeness of the account.
Candidates contesting in constituency-based elections are required to submit their financial accounts and associated evidence directly to the Director of the Provincial and Bangkok Election Commission Office. They may also authorize another individual in writing to make the submission on their behalf. Similarly, political party leaders are expected to personally submit their accounts to the Secretary-General of the Election Commission or authorize a representative in writing to do so.
The deadline for submitting these accounts is 90 days post-election, specifically by May 11, 2026. Failure to submit accurate and complete accounts within this timeframe could result in severe penalties. Candidates or party leaders who fail to meet the deadline or intentionally submit inaccurate or incomplete documents face imprisonment for up to 2 years, a fine of up to 40,000 baht, or both. Additionally, their right to vote may be revoked for a period of 5 years. In cases where the accounts are proven false, the penalties increase to imprisonment ranging from 1 to 5 years, fines between 20,000 to 100,000 baht, and a 10-year revocation of voting rights.