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"Parties and politicians must stop the old habit of buying votes because the EC is serious about cracking down on campaign violations," he said.

Somchai said the Ratchaburi case took place in Damnoen Saduak district where authorities uncovered evidence that canvassers paid money to constituents and took their identification cards as collateral in exchange for their votes.

"Some witnesses said they were instructed by canvassers to blame rival candidates for paying them," he said.

He said campaign offenders would face criminal proceedings as well as the disqualification from the race, and that authorities would penalise electoral cheats and any attempts to frame rival candidates.

"The EC will be extra careful to punish the right offender on the right charge and not be misled by any frameup," he said.

EC member Prapun Naigowit said an ECappointed panel led by charter writer Noranit Sethabutr was drafting new guidelines on the extent that banned party executives could participate in campaign activities.

The guidelines would clarify the scope of the advisory role permitted, he said.

EC member Sumeth Upanisakorn said he has scheduled a ceremony for partylist candidates today (THURES) to swear to uphold a clean race. The ceremony will take place in eight key provinces, including Bangkok, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai.

The Bangkok ceremony will be held at the Temple of Emerald Buddha at 9am.