More than 50 million voters went to the polls

Although there are 67 political parties participating, this general election is considered to be a competition mainly between 6 major political parties including: United Thai National Party (UTN) of current Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, Pheu Thai Party which is the predecessor of the parties founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, People's State Power Party (PPRP) of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, Democrat Party - the oldest political party in Thailand, Thai Pride Party which is famous for its policy of legalizing marijuana, and Forward Party which is the party of young people and intellectuals.

Up to now, the General Election process in Thailand is proceeding on schedule and smoothly.

Unlike the 2019 election, in this year's election, voters will receive two ballots: a ballot for members of the House of Representatives according to the party list and a ballot for members of the House of Representatives according to the constituency.

In a brief speech after voting, the Thai Prime Minister said: “Today is the day of universal election. I urge all Thai voters, regardless of age or gender, to participate in the election for Thailand's democracy. All voters have the right to participate in the election and will base on the criteria to choose worthy candidates. I only hope that Thailand will hold an election with the largest number of voters possible.”

At around 9am this morning, Mr. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the current Prime Minister of Thailand, went to constituency number 6 on Pradipat Road in Bangkok to vote.

Despite the interest of many reporters, the Thai Prime Minister did not say where he would stay tonight while waiting for the vote count results.

Meanwhile, in an interview with a reporter from VTV station in Thailand, Ms. Nontaporrn Ounprasertsuk said: “Today is election day. I am very happy to participate in the election after a long time since the last election. Today, my excitement made me wake up early to prepare everything and go to the polling station. I think there will be a big change in my country. This will really come when all the people participate in the election.”

Ms. Sumalee, 58 years old, a resident of the capital Bangkok, said: “I hope that Thailand will develop more and more. Therefore, when I choose, I will choose people who will always try to help the country develop. If Thailand develops, Thai people will have a better life. Therefore, choose people who will try to help Thailand.”

People vote at constituency number 6 on Pradipat Road in Bangkok.

“Change for a better future,” said Tanarit Sakulyaontvittaya, 44, a small business owner. “ Economic change is not easy, however, I think we have had leaders from the previous generation for a long time, about eight years, and things seem to have not changed, the economy has not improved much. So I hope a new leadership team from the younger generation will be able to change the country in the long term in the future.”

Overall, up to now, the General Election process in Thailand is proceeding on schedule and smoothly.

This year's general election is said to be more carefully prepared than the previous four years. The Royal Thai Police has also deployed more than 140,000 police officers to ensure security on election day. Polling stations will remain open until 5 p.m. today.

In addition, the EC also said that based on the weather conditions and the number of voters participating in the vote, they will flexibly adjust and extend the voting time in each constituency. As expected, the vote counting will be urgently carried out immediately after the end of the voting and the initial results can be announced at around 11pm on the same day.

PV (VOV-Bangkok)

Useful
Emotion
Creative
Unique
Wrath

Source: https://vtc.vn/tong-tuyen-cu-thai-lan-2023-hon-50-trieu-cu-tri-di-bo-phieu-ar772570.html