Jingjok
Election days and staying out of rallies
wan lûeak-dtâng
Thai elections are held on Sundays, and voting is a civic duty for citizens: those who don't vote without a reason can lose some rights for a time. Before an election, roadside posters and loudspeaker trucks (รถหาเสียง) fill the streets. Expect an alcohol sales ban from 6 pm the day before until midnight on election day, and many bars shut. As a foreigner you cannot vote, and you should avoid political rallies and ประท้วง: joining in can put your visa at risk, and gatherings can change quickly. Following the news in Thai, on the other hand, is a great way to understand the country you live in.
Try this today
Before the next election, check the exact dates of the alcohol ban so you're not surprised.
The words that carry it
Learn this in “News and society” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.