People began arriving early at polling stations throughout the country on Sunday to cast their votes for constituency candidates, party list MPs and also decide whether they support the writing of a new constitution, with party leaders calling for a high turnout in the general election.
Voters began queuing at polling stations in Bangkok and other parts of the country before they opened at 8am, keen to be among the first to exercise their voting rights.
Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul voted in Buri Ram province, the home base of his party, while most other party leaders showed up at polling booths in Bangkok.
People's Party chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and Pheu Thai's prime minister candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat were among those calling on voters to turn up, back their candidates and make a crucial political decision regarding the fate of the constitution.
Voting was closed at 5pm, and counting started at approximately 5.30pm. Unofficial results were expected before midnight, according to the Election Commission (EC).
The EC said everything was going smoothly Sunday morning and anticipated even more voters to turn out 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 that the turnout rate could reach 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 current version untouched.
Light rain was reported in several districts in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces Sunday afternoon as people went to the polls, with falls expected to last for an hour or more, weather forecasts said.
The Meteorological Department reported light rain in eight districts in the capital -- Nong Chok, Min Buri, Bang Sue, Dusit, Bang Phlad, Thon Buri, Bangkok Yai and Phasi Charoen -- and in some areas in Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Nakhon Pathom provinces at about 1pm.
Taling Chan district could expect a light shower later in the day.
"Don't forget to take an umbrella with you to the polling station, especially this afternoon, due to an increasing chance of rain," the weather agency said.
