Large numbers of anti-government protesters began to surround polling stations in some districts of Bangkok and southern provinces early Sunday, in an attempt to oppose the scheduled advance voting for the Feb 2 national election.
A notice informs that the advance election has been called off in Bang Kapi district. (Post Today photo)
Suthep Thaugsuban, secretary-general of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), called Saturday night for supporters to gather at 5am to prepare to move to close election stations in Bangkok’s districts.
As of 8am, election officials in several districts were unable to enter the polling stations, which were set up at locations such as schools, department stores and district offices. In some districts, showed up by 3.30am.
Protesters used chain to lock the entrances of some polling stations, such as Ban Bang Kapi School which is used as an election site for around 80,000 people registered for advance voting.
Shortly after 8am, some districts called off advance voting. These included locations in Pathumwan, Don Muang, Bang Bon and Dusit districts.
Wang Thong Lang district was able to open the voting after 8am.