NewsBy Amelie Maurice-JonesThe Election Commission of Thailand has announced two nationwide alcohol bans, coinciding with the runup to the 2026 Thai general election on 8 February. Thailand will ban alcohol sales during the advance voting period of 31 January to 1 February, and during election day, over 7–8 February 2026. Then, the ‘red’ party – the Pheu Thai Party – is spearheaded by Yodchanan Wongsawat. The alcohol ban is part of longstanding electoral regulations that aim to prevent disruption during the voting period. Thailand is not the only country to forbid alcohol sales during election periods.