Over 50 million voters cast their ballots.

VTC News•14/05/2023

Although 67 political parties participated, this general election was considered a competition primarily between six major parties: the United Thai National Party (UTN) of incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the Pheu Thai Party (formerly founded by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra), the People's Power Party (PPRP) of Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the Democrat Party (the oldest political party in Thailand), the Thai Pride Party (known for its cannabis legalization policy), and the Forward Party (a party of young people and intellectuals).

Thailand's 2023 General Election: Over 50 million voters cast their ballots - 1 — Up to this point, the general election process in Thailand has been proceeding smoothly and according to schedule.

Unlike the 2019 election, in this year's election, voters will receive two ballots: one for a seat in the House of Representatives based on party list and one for a seat in the House of Representatives based on constituency.

In a brief statement after casting his vote, the Thai Prime Minister said: “Today is a nationwide election day. I urge all Thai voters, regardless of age or gender, to participate in the election for the sake of Thai democracy. Every voter has the right to vote and will base their choice on criteria to select worthy candidates. I only hope that Thailand will hold an election with the highest possible voter turnout.”

Thailand's 2023 General Election: Over 50 million voters cast their ballots - 2 — At around 9 a.m. this morning, Prayuth Chan-ocha, the current Prime Minister of Thailand, arrived at polling station number 6 on Pradipat Road in Bangkok to cast his vote.

Despite the interest from many reporters, the Thai Prime Minister did not say where he would be tonight while awaiting the vote count results.

Meanwhile, in an interview with a Vietnam Radio correspondent based in Thailand, Ms. Nontaportr 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 truly happen when all citizens participate in the election.”

Ms. Sumalee, 58, a resident of Bangkok, said: “I hope Thailand will continue to develop. Therefore, when I make a choice, I will choose people who will always strive to help the country develop. If Thailand develops, the Thai people will have a better life. So, let's choose people who will work hard for the country of Thailand.”

Thailand's 2023 General Election: Over 50 million voters cast their ballots - 3 — People cast their votes at polling station number 6 on Pradipat Road in Bangkok.

Tanarit Sakulyanontvittaya, 44, a small business owner, said: “Change for a better future. Economic change isn’t simple, however, I think we’ve had leaders from the previous generation for a long time, about 8 years, and things haven’t changed much, the economy hasn’t improved much. So I hope a new leadership team from the younger generation will be able to change the country in the long term.”

Overall, the general election process in Thailand has been proceeding smoothly and according to plan so far.

This year's general election is considered to be more thoroughly prepared than in the past four years. The Royal Thai Police have also deployed more than 140,000 officers to ensure security on election day. Polling stations will remain open until 5 PM today.

Furthermore, the EC also stated that based on weather conditions and the number of voters participating, they may flexibly adjust and extend the voting period in each constituency. It is expected that vote counting will be carried out promptly after the voting ends, and initial results may be announced around 11 PM on the same day.

PV (VOV-Bangkok)

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