Members of all branches of the Santi Asoke Buddhist sect will vote in the same direction _ against those parties which support gambling.
The decision goes against government parties which had supported the controversial two- and three-digit lottery tickets issued by the government and seen by the sect as another form of gambling.
Kaenfa Saenmuang, leader of the Si Sa Asoke Buddhist Community in Si Sa Ket's Kantharalak district, said: ``We will not give our vote to a political party which promotes gambling and ignores social ethics. In our view, such a party should not be allowed to run the country.''
He said all networks of the Santi Asoke group would support politicians with the following qualifications: proven responsible, brave, hard-working and not afraid to tackle problems in the national interest.
``As we cannot find politicians or parties which are 100% perfect, we have decided to back a party which looks the least evil,'' said Mr Kaenfa.
Candidates from all parties have campaigned to get the support of the Santi Asoke sect members.
Mr Kaenfa said his group gave more weight to policies than candidates.