Political hype is expected to kick in across the country Monday when the Election Commission (EC) opens the registration of constituency and party-list candidates for the March 24 general election.
The applications can be lodged at designated facilities nationwide from 8.30am to 4.30pm until this Friday.
In Bangkok, registration will be undertaken at the Bangkok Youth Centre (Thai-Japan), a sports complex, in Din Daeng district. The capital is divided into 30 constituencies for the election.
A dry run of the event was conducted Sunday under the supervision of Silapasuay Raweesaengsoon, city clerk of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Vichuda Mekanuwong, the election commission director for Bangkok. They said the registration venue would be open from 5.30am.
Candidates' supporters would only be allowed to sit on the stadium's stands, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people.
Those who arrive before 8.30am may need to talk with other candidates to agree on a queue in which they would file their applications, the officers said. If they are unable to settle the issue, a lucky draw would be arranged in order of applicants. After they have lodged their applications, a lucky draw would be conducted again to determine which election number they would get for poll voting, according to the officers.
Campaigners can conduct activities at the site, such as launching party songs and chanting slogans, only before candidates receive their voting number, they said.
Ms Silapasuay said that as the facility has to accommodate candidates from all 30 Bangkok constituencies, she has asked all officers to handle the task with care and concentration.
Ms Vichuda stressed that any campaigns at the facility, including going live on social media, must cease after candidates receive their voting number. They can go back to their constituencies to proceed with electioneering there, she added.
Meanwhile, provincial election commissions across the country have been preparing for registration Monday. In Kanchanaburi, Suchanya Vimuktayon, director of the office of the provincial election commission, said a huge number of the candidates are expected on the first day of the registration.
"About 20 parties are likely to field candidates in the province," said Ms Suchanya. "The political hype is building as people have not been able to cast votes for five years."
Regarding campaign cutouts, Ms Suchanya said her office has coordinated with local state offices to designate areas for them over five constituencies in the province.
In Khon Kaen, Apinan Jan-upala, chief of the office of the provincial election commission, said a huge turnout of candidates is expected. The province has 10 constituencies.
In Nakhon Si Thammarat, the provincial administrative organisation's pavilion has been set aside as the registration venue. CCTV cameras have been installed in the area so footage can be reviewed when possible disputes by candidates happen, according to officers. Guards would also be deployed there to ward off possible clashes between supporters.
Suriya Juangroongruangkit, a member of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) responsible for election strategy in the Northeast, indicated he would lead the camp's candidates in 14 constituencies of Nakhon Ratchasima to lodge applications at the Chalerm Phra Kiat Sports Stadium in Muang district. Before the event, the team would pay homage to Thao Suranari monument for blessings, he said.
Former deputy prime minister Suwat Liptapanlop, chief adviser of the Chart Pattana Party, said he would lead the camp's 14 candidates in Nakhon Ratchasima to lodge their applications at the sports stadium. The team would also pay homage to the Thao Suranari monument.
Meanwhile, 14 Bhumjaithai candidates for Nakhon Ratchasima will also pay homage to the Thao Suranari statue and city pillar shrine before lodging their applications.
A poll by the Super Poll Research Centre reveals 61.3% of respondents are aware the election will take place on March 24.
Members of political parties gather at the Bangkok Youth Centre in Din Daeng district on Monday morning for the registration of election candidates. (Photo by Varuth Hirunyatheb)
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