Thai voters go to polls for by-elections in five provinces

BANGKOK, Dec12 (TNA)- Thailand’s eligible voters have arrived to cast their votes in by-elections held Sunday in five provinces where seats were left empty by MPs who were found guilty of possessing state concessionaires.
According to the Election Commission (EC), it is expected that the voter turnout will not be able to meet its target of 50%. This is because the by-election day December 12th falls on the long weekend.
Election Commission officer Supot Paiboon expressed concerns that the voter turnout will be less than the target as the public are expected to be enjoying holidays in other provinces.
After inspecting the polling booth in Bangkok’s Constituency 2, Charoenrat Chuttikan, the permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) revealed that the BMA has geared up for the by-elections, the candidate’s campaigns have smooth sailed and there were no reports of irregularities.
Meanwhile, in the central Ayutthaya province, the provincial election commission has reported that the voting procedures have been in accordance with the rules in 10 sub-districts. Provincial authorities also expected the voter turnout to reach 60% as targeted.
In the northeastern Surin province, Maj Gen Peepat Palawong, the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police stated that there are currently no reports of vote buying in the province.
The five provinces to elect five members of the lower house include the capital of Bangkok, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima and Surin in northeastern Thailand, and in the central province of Ayutthaya.
The unofficial results of the vote is expected be announced by 8.00 pm.(TNA)