Buying Votes in Bangkok… With Viagra

Politics in Thailand and buying votes are nothing new, but creative ways to garner favor among the populace is a challenge for even the most resourceful candidates.

In lieu of cash, one Bangkok candidate in a recent election allegedly handed out Viagra tablets.


The rules about handing out favors to voters have always been strict in Thailand, and they even forbid the distribution of free T-shirts and soft drinks. But a new law will make that look like a piece of cake, as now criminal charges can be brought against both the supplier and the recipient of vote-buying that can lead up to ten years in prison!

The accuser, Sayan Nopcha, a campaigner for the People’s Power Party in Bangkok, whose older brother is running for office, would not identify the candidate who allegedly handed out the pills. He told authorities that the drug, which is supposed to be used only via a doctor’s prescription, was being freely distributed to elderly male voters.

The politician is giving out Viagra to gain popularity and votes. I think this is a very bad way of vote-buying, said Sayan.

There were many candidates competing for many seats in this past election. How many of them broke the law is one question. How many of them made some senior citizens very happy, at least for a little while, is quite another!