The three former Election Commission members finally won bail yesterday, but were ordered to stay away from the upcoming polls for both houses of Parliament as well as the commission itself.

The Supreme Court set several conditions for their temporary release.

The three men - who resigned from the EC after they were convicted and jailed for malfeasance and other crimes - were barred from getting involved in any affairs of the EC, including its staff and documents.

They must stop their supporters from creating disturbances at the court during any session in which they are defendants.

They must refrain from speaking to the press and from carrying out any activities that will lead to divisiveness in, or harm or danger to the country.

The three signed their release papers to show that they agreed to observe all the restrictions, or return to jail and have their bail forfeited.

They were given four hours to pick up all their personal belongings at their offices at the EC headquarters and were required to post surety of Bt200,000 each.

Chusak Senabunrit, the chief public prosecutor on the case, said Vasana Puemlarp, Prinya Nak-chudtree and Virachai Naewboon-

nien had applied separately for release, but each gave the same reason - suffering from chronic diseases and stress from being jailed.

Criminal Court chief justice Amnuay Thanthara and his deputy Anant Sendum asked the three if they were really sick and if they would comply with all the conditions.

Vasana said he had high blood pressure and cholesterol, an allergy, and build-up of calcium at his neck and waist.

He has to go see his doctor every Wednesday.

Prinya cited high blood pressure while Virachai related his heart and kidney problems. Virachai has thickening of the arteries and once had an agniostry performed. He also has renal failure and needs dialysis three times a week.

The court inquired if the three had any connection with the troublemakers outside the courtroom during Tuesday's hearing. The three denied having anything to do with them or the commotion outside the courtroom.

After the court freed the three on bail, Vasana's daughter rushed to hug her father and both broke down in tears.

The three gathered their possessions and papers in 20 boxes and left the EC offices. They did not allow reporters to record or take pictures while they removed their stuff.

The wives of Prinya and Virachai greeted their husbands, who looked relaxed and smiled, in stark contrast to their grim appearance before they were let out.