The Election Commission (EC) has reminded candidates and political parties of the rules covering the hustings, in the lead up to the general election in May.

According to the EC, candidates must:

-Not offer, promise to offer or give away valuables or other benefits to voters

-Not offer or promise to offer money, valuables or other benefits, directly or indirectly, to a community, association, foundation, temple, educational institute, welfare shelter or any other institute.

-Refrain from organising entertainment activities while electioneering

-Refrain from holding a party or a banquet for anybody and

-Refrain from using tricks, coercion, influence, threats, making false accusations

-Refrain from misleading voters about the popularity of candidates or their parties.

-Not engage in campaigning that is in conflict with the policies of their parties

-Not provide free transport to voters to or from polling stations

-Not attempt to persuade voters to vote or not to vote for candidates

Additionally, non-Thais are forbidden from helping in electioneering or doing anything which may benefit or harm candidates or parties, except when their actions are for the benefit of the state or in accordance with their profession and state authorities are forbidden to use their positionswrongfully for the advantage or disadvantage of candidates or parties

The EC warned that violations may result in the dissolution of the parties, fines, imprisonment or withdrawal of voting rights from the wrongdoers.