Some Observations on Subsidies and Donations to Political Parties under the Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2560 (2017)

Abstract

This academic article aims to examine issues concerning state subsidies and political donations to political parties under the Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2560 (2017).

The study finds that large political parties do not rely heavily on public subsidies but instead depend primarily on donations and fundraising activities to support their operations. In contrast, smaller political parties tend to rely almost exclusively on state subsidies, in some cases seeking financial benefits rather than using such resources to enhance their organizational capacity and political development. These circumstances highlight the importance of reconsidering the legal framework governing state subsidies and political donations in order to improve existing political party laws and ensure their suitability and consistency with contemporary political conditions.

The author proposes that the current legal provisions governing political donations under the Organic Act on Political Parties B.E. 2560 (2017) should be repealed or amended to provide greater flexibility, particularly with respect to donation ceilings. At the same time, stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms should be introduced through accessible and comprehensive public disclosure systems. Political donations should be disclosed in a real-time and publicly accessible manner, allowing citizens to monitor financial transactions from all perspectives. Under such a framework, limitations on donation amounts may no longer be necessary, as the sources of funds and any subsequent exchange of benefits could be effectively scrutinized. Furthermore, severe legal sanctions, including political party dissolution and the revocation of electoral rights, already serve as significant deterrents against unlawful conduct. The study also recommends that the Election Commission establish clear regulations regarding the sources of donated funds and prescribe specific reporting periods within which political parties must disclose donation information.