Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the Election Commission reported a smooth start to advance voting, with Bang Kapi district registering the highest number of voters.

According to Thai News Agency, the ECT Secretary-General, Mr. Saeng Boonmee, announced at a press conference attended by senior executives of the Election Commission, that the advance polling stations opened at 8:00 AM without any significant issues. Bang Kapi district emerged as the leader in voter registration, with over 58,000 voters registered. However, traffic congestion was noted in Bang Khen district, where officials are actively working to manage the situation.

Mr. Saeng provided detailed statistics, noting that advance voting is taking place both within and outside electoral districts. The registered voters include 8,610 for intra-district advance voting, 2,206,138 for extra-district advance voting, and 1,666 for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The number of polling stations set up for this purpose includes 521 within electoral districts, 524 outside, and 22 dedicated to voters with special needs.

The overall voting process has remained orderly, with significant voter registration in each of the 77 provinces. Apart from Bang Kapi, Chatuchak district and Chiang Mai province also reported over 50,000 registered voters. Despite challenges such as space limitations at some polling stations and heavy traffic in certain areas, the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) ensured a smooth voting experience for all.

In Bang Khen district, where 19,000 people registered to vote, traffic congestion posed a challenge. The issue was promptly addressed by coordinating with polling stations and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration traffic police to improve traffic flow and voter access.

In Chonburi, a minor irregularity occurred when a sign for a People's Party candidate disappeared from in front of a polling station. The situation has been resolved, maintaining the overall orderliness of the process. Voters are advised to avoid publicly stating their voting choices to prevent potential complaints that could interfere with the election proceedings.