The Election Commission (EC) has finished drafting a bill to ensure the referendum to be held on the draft charter runs smoothly, a source at the EC said.
The bill consists of 16 sections that are similar to those of the 2007 referendum organisation act, said the source.
However, a key difference is that it prohibits dissemination of messages or images in the media that could lead to a negative impact on the referendum.
Prohibited messages or images are those which distort facts, are extreme, aggressive, vulgar, threatening or aimed at inciting unrest.
Messages or images intended to manipulate voters in the referendum or discourage them to skip the referendum are also deemed evidence of an intention to stir up unrest, the source said.
Those found breaching the law may face legal prosecution and be held responsible for the costs of organising a new referendum, said the source.
Those found guilty of promising to give something, luring someone into believing in something or threatening someone to do something that may result in the need to hold a new referendum are also liable for the costs.
As for those who receive bribes, if they come forward to the EC to admit accepting inducement before referendum day, they will be exempt from punishment.
Distribution of the banned content also applies to social media. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam said he was worried social media could be widely abused by those intending to spoil the referendum.
Those found guilty of disrupting the referendum may face up to 10 years in jail and/or a maximum fine of 200,000 baht, plus a ban from elections for five years, said the source.
Those found guilty of obstructing referendum officials may face one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of 20,000 baht.