Savvy

As Thailand gears up for the December 23rd post-coup election, politicians pledged to keep the proceedings clean. But on the receiving side, a recent poll revealed that 2/3rds of Thais would exchange their vote for cash and gifts.

The Nation reports that vote-buying tactics are becoming quite creative, encompassing new means of discreet "favor" transfer.

One such method is through electronic transfers via ATM machines and 7-Eleven Smart Cards, instead of direct cash hand-outs. Another practice is a barter system where vote-sellers pick up commodities from local village shops on the vote-buyer's tab. Buying on credit is common in villages anyway. Other gifts include pre-paid mobile phone cards, tuition payments, and outings.

The going rates range from B200 to B500 per individual vote (limit one per family, please!). Joining an anti-government mob in Bangkok pays about B300 to B400. Coming to a political rally to make a candidate appear more popular runs from B100 to B200, and vehicle owners who transport people to a rally may receive Bt1,000 to Bt2,000 per pick-up.