❓ Claim Reviewed: Is it permissi to put up referendum campaign signs for drafting a new constitution in public places?
✅ Fact-Check Result: Permissible with Conditions
Posting referendum campaign signs is allowed, provided that permission is obtained from the property owner and that the signs do not obstruct or interfere with the use of public spaces.
📝 Summary: On 12 January 2026, Yingcheep Atchanont, Manager of iLaw, posted on Facebook under the name “Yingcheep Atchanont,” publicized and encouraged the public to participate in campaigning for a “Yes” vote in the referendum on drafting a new constitution by creating and displaying campaign signs in various locations. The post included an image of a campaign sign reading “8 February Vote Yes,” attached to a roadside electricity pole.
Following the post, several Facebook users questioned whether the law permits the posting of referendum campaign signs in public places in this manner.
🔎 Cofact’s Findings:
▪ Thanthep Paramee, Director of Legal Division 1, Office of Legal Affairs and Litigation, Election Commission of Thailand (ECT), stated that citizens, political parties, private organizations, and various groups have constitutional rights and freedoms to conduct campaign activities for a referendum freely. Posting campaign signs constitutes one form of such activity. However, such activities must comply with the Referendum Act B.E. 2564 (2021) and the Election Commission Regulations on Referendum B.E. 2565 (2022). This means that campaigners must not disseminate false information regarding the matter subject to the referendum, and permission must be obtained from the property owner or lawful possessor. For example, if one wishes to attach campaign signs to electricity poles in Bangkok, permission must be obtained from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). In addition, the signs must not obstruct or interfere with the use of public spaces.
▪ Section 80 of the Referendum Act provides that any person who campaigns for an Eligible voter to cast their Voter in a certain way or not to exercise his or her Voting Right, From 18.00 hours of the day before a Voting Day until the end of the Viting period, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding ten thousand Bath, or both
▪ Officials of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) stated that there is currently no regulation specifically governing the posting of referendum campaign signs, unlike election campaign signage, which is clearly regulated and allows signs to be posted on electricity poles subject to size requirements, non-obstruction of pedestrian walkways, and mandatory removal after the election concludes. Therefore, the MEA advises people who wish to post referendum-related campaign signs on electricity poles to submit a written request for permission to the MEA district office responsible for the relevant area.
