People began arriving early at polling stations throughout Thailand on Sunday, casting ballots for constituency candidates, party lists and whether they support writing a new constitution, with party leaders calling for a high turnout in the general election.
Voters began queueing at polling stations in Bangkok and across the country before they opened at 8am, keen to be among the first to exercise their voting rights.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul voted in Buri Ram province, the home base of his Bhumjaithai Party, while most other party leaders showed up at booths in Bangkok.
People’s Party chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat were among those calling on voters turn up, back their candidates and make a crucial political decision on the fate of the constitution.
Voting was due to close at 5pm and counting would tentatively start around 6.30pm. Unofficial results were expected before midnight.
The Election Commission (EC) said everything was going smoothly on Sunday morning and anticipated even more voters in the afternoon.
The EC expected a 75% turnout on voting day, with a high number of voters in the morning. EC chairman Narong Klanwarin told reporters turnout could be 80% or even 90%.
Voters must select their constituency candidate, party-list representative and also decide whether they want a new constitution or leave the present, latest version untouched.
