Celebrities swap red carpets for polling queues

Among the stars spotted in the crowds were actors Nadech Kugimiya, Prin Suparat, Pakorn Chatborirak, Araya “Chompoo” A Hargate, Urassaya “Yaya” Sperbund, Davika “Mai” Hoorne, Kimberly Anne Woltemas, Khemanit “Pancake” Jamikorn and Chutimon “Aokbab” Chuengcharoensukying and singers Wichayanee “Gam” Pearklin and Worrawech “Dan” Danuwong. 

Instagram carried a steady stream of photos of celebs queuing alongside ordinary folks at polling stations and holding their identity cards. 

The accompanying hashtags included “#thailandelection2019” and “#letsgovote”.

Film and TV superstar Nadech was at a polling station in northeastern Khon Kaen province at 9.30am, accompanied by his mother.

“I’ve come to exercise my right as a Thai,” he told reporters. “Today is an important day for Thailand. Casting a vote is like following a dream for Thai people. Now we might have a good government, but we still dream of having a good person to protect and take care of our country. I think that all Thai people have the same dream.

“I hope everyone will come out to exercise their right today,” he added. “This is a chance for us to join forces and build the country. I’d like to invite everyone to follow our dreams together.”

Chutimon, 23, a rising star best known for her role in the movie “Bad Genius”, was among Sunday’s first-time voters.

“This is my first time expressing my democratic right and I look forward to seeing which direction the country will go next,” she said at a polling station in Bangkok. “I want to see a brighter future for the economy, but for now, let’s come out to vote for the country.”

Actress Kimberly, also voting in Bangkok, said she woke up early specially to participate. 

“I hope my vote will help us get a good leader who will help us to solve the traffic problems and enhance the education system and the economy,” she said.