The court found ex-EC chairman Vasana Puemlarp, Prinyanakchudtree and Virachai Naewboonnien guilty as charged by Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the Democrat Party.

Suthep alleged that the three had violated Article 157 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits state officials from committing malfeasance and nonfeasance.

Suthep alleged that the three had delayed an investigation against the Thai Rak Thai for one month after Suthep filed a complaint against the party, alleging it with bankrolling two parties - Thai Ground and Pattana Chat Thai - to contest the April 2 election to help certain Thai Rak Thai candidates to avoid the requirement to obtain at least 20 per cent eligible votes.

Suthep also alleged that the three still committed negligence of duty for failing to take legal action against the Thai Rak Thai after an investigation panel found grounds to believe that the Thai Rak Thai had bankrolled the two parties to contest the election.

The court initially sentenced them to three years in jail but it commuted penalty by one thirds on ground that their statements were somehow useful to the case. The court also revoked their election right for ten years.

The three were earlier sentenced to four years imprisonment for unlawfully handling of a repeated election after the April 2 election by registering additional candidates.

The three would appeal against the ruling and were released on bail after placing assets worth Bt120,000 each as guarantee.

The Nation