HRF expresses deep concern over reports of election irregularities and vote-buying in Thailand. HRF calls on Thailand to respect the people’s demand for transparency and to uphold their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

Following Thailand’s general election on Sunday, the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul, was declared the winner. However, more than one hundred complaints alleging election irregularities have been filed, including complaints of vote buying and ballot destruction.

In Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Suphanburi, and several other provinces, citizens peacefully gathered to demand a vote recount and to raise concerns about the transparency and credibility of the vote-counting process.

Since the 2014 military coup, Thailand has struggled to hold free and fair elections. HRF remains committed to supporting democratic principles and fundamental rights in Thailand.