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The PP's early release of a proposed cabinet signals ambition and transparency, but also invites scrutiny over credibility New survey data and accounts from the ground suggest cash-for-votes remains widespread ahead of the Feb 8 election

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Sawaeng: Seeks fair polls

With less than a month to go before the Feb 8 general election, concerns over vote-buying have intensified after new survey data suggested cash-for-votes remains widespread across the country.

Findings from the Zero Corruption working group, a collaboration between the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Thai Bankers' Association, show that vote-buying varies by region, with Bangkok and its surrounding provinces recording the highest payments.

Based on responses from 4,814 participants nationwide, the survey found that cash-for-votes offers in the capital and adjacent provinces range from as low as 100 baht to as high as 7,500 baht per voter, with an average of 1,169 baht per head.

In the North, offers ranged from 100 to 5,000 baht, averaging 1,076 baht. In the South, payments ranged from 200 to 5,000 baht, with an average of 872 baht, while the Central Plains recorded an average of 855 baht, with offers between 100 and 5,000 baht.

The survey also found that about 72% of respondents said they would not vote for candidates who offered money, compared with 28.1% who said they might still do so. Although 69% said they would refuse money offered in exchange for their vote, 18% admitted they would accept it and vote for the candidates involved.