SMS Messages in Use in the Thai Election

SMS messages were in wide use in the recent Thai elections, both officially and inofficially. 

In preparation for Thailands snap election last week, Thailand's Election Commission sent text messages to 25 million cell phone customers politely reminding them to vote. The message read: "You are cordially invited to exercise your right to vote on February 6, between 8 am and 3 pm."

At the same time, the Nation, a Thai newspaper, reported recently on a text message campaign among voters urging them to bring a a pen with them to mark their ballots.

The SMS stated: "Don't use the rubber stamp provided [by the authorities] to prevent fakes. Tell all your friends too." 

The election was controversial, boycotted by opposition parties. Thailand's premier Thaksin Shinawatra resigned last Tuesday in a surprise move fueled by two months of street demonstrations  largely organized by text messages and email, despite his election victory.  Protesters have accuses him of corruption and abuse of power.