Celebrities, politicians join locals in queues at polling stations
Political heavyweights, celebrities and residents upcountry have all come out to cast their ballot as 92,320 polling stations opened their doors at 8am nationwide.
Prachachart Party leader Wan Muhamad Noor Matha cast his vote in Yala in the deep South, where polling stations were guarded by security officials.
Bhumjaithai heavyweight Jongchai Thiangtham cast his ballot in Suphan Buri’s Sri Prachan district, while long-time Democrat Siriwan Prasjaksattru, better known as Mae Liang Tik, travelled to her home district of Rong Kwang in Phrae province. Her political rival, Pheu Thai-turned Thai Raksa Chart politician, Worawat Eua-apinyakul, also travelled to Phrae’s Long district.
Meanwhile, celebrities such as likay (Thai opera) actor and singer Chaiya Mitrachai and movie star Yaya went their hometowns of Ang Thong and Pattaya respectively.
People living in other provinces, including hilltribe minorities from Doi Pui in Chiang Mai also travelled from their homes early to cast their votes, with officials providing them support in their local dialects.
Mayuree Janthima, 58, from Doi Pui said she had come out to vote as it was her duty as a Thai citizen, adding that the winning politician should help steer the country towards a better quality of life and development so it can be prosperous.
The EC, meanwhile, reported 50 cases of poll fraud.