In Thailand, the act of voting is considered a fundamental responsibility for all citizens aged 18 and above. Consequently, individuals who neglected to cast their ballots during the recent general election, including both early voting and the official election day, are advised to inform local authorities promptly this week.
Although abstaining from voting does not constitute a legal offense according to existing legislation, it does carry certain repercussions. Specifically, citizens who choose not to participate in the electoral process will be unable to contest election results for a period of two years, as well as being disqualified from holding any political or local administrative positions during this timeframe. The two-year prohibition commences immediately after the most recent election that the individual failed to partake in, whether it be a general election or a local one. Consequently, if an individual abstains from voting in any future election, the prohibition period will be reset.
To avoid these consequences, it is strongly recommended that those who did not participate in the recent general election submit a formal explanation to the appropriate authorities. This can be accomplished either by visiting the district registrar in person or by utilizing alternative methods such as the Smart Vote application or the website www.bora.dopa.go.th/all-election, where individuals can provide their reasoning in writing via post.
Time is of the essence for citizens who failed to vote in the general election, as the deadline for submitting explanations is set for May 21. By promptly notifying the authorities of their decision, individuals can ensure that their rights and future opportunities in the political sphere remain unaffected.
