Advance voting in at least six constituencies cancelled

[Lite Beer]

Advance voting in at least six constituencies cancelled

UPDATE: At least advance voting in 35 polling stations revoked

BANGKOK: -- Advance votings in at least six constituencies were cancelled on Sunday after anti-government protesters blocked the voting venues.

Nation Channel reported at about 9m that the voting in Bang Kapi, Bang Kolaem, Bangbon, Nongkham, Don Mueng, Laksi were already cancelled.

The voting were scheduled to open at 8.30am. Many unhappy voters were seen gathering at some voting venues as they wanted to cast the ballots.

The snap election is scheduled on February 2.


-- The Nation 2014-01-26

[tom21]

when this happens the army should be called in to protect the voters

[thesetat2013]

I guess there are more protesters than voters

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Credo]

So much for democracy in Thailand.

It's one thing to declare an election as invalid, but it's something entirely different from denying people the right to vote.

[EricBerg]

The election now and Feb 2nd is a waste of money again. If the voting is done in february it will be unlawful because of the lack of candidates or similar. The shinaclan is losing ground all the time.

[Lite Beer]

Protesters block Chatuchak advance voting station

BANGKOK: -- Protesters led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee surrounded the advance voting station of Chatuchak district at 7 am Sunday.

The station is located inside the Saint John Polytecnic School.

Some 20,000 voters have registered to cast vote in advance at the Chatuchak station.

Issara Somchai, a PDRC leader, claimed that the protester were there not to block voting but to oppose the election. "But if the people want to vote, they must step on the demonstrators' heads to go inside," Issara said.

-- The Nation 2014-01-26

[Nowhereman60]

The election now and Feb 2nd is a waste of money again. If the voting is done in february it will be unlawful because of the lack of candidates or similar. The shinaclan is losing ground all the time.

What is the different if they try to vote 2 Feb or 2 May, the same results will happen unless the thugs are taken off the streets.

[householder]

From PDRC Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/PDRCThailand/posts/736682513017235):

"We would like to reiterate Kamnan Suthep Thaugsuban's comments during his rally last night that the PDRC and supporters are simply protesting the advance polls held today by surrounding/standing in front of election units; we are not obstructing elections."

Glad they cleared that up - so if people push past them the protestors won't do a single thing more, even if heads are stepped on as stated by Issara?

Edited January 26, 2014 by householder

[BlueNoseCodger]

"many unhappy voters were seen gathering at the gate..."

I did a quick estimate from the photo to estimate how many protesters there are, but the Thonburi one looks odd, like it has a que of people leading out of the building rather than a row of people blocking.

Is that a que of voters? With another group waiting at the back to get in?

[96tehtarp]

There remains not even the slightest semblance of rule of law in Thailand. This can only lead to even more widespread corruption as everyday Thai people decide to mimic the elites and take whatever they can get while they can still get it... and the farmers remain unpaid.

Edited January 26, 2014 by 96tehtarp

[newcomer71]

What a banana republic... Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?

Unbelievable.

[pipkins]

What a banana republic... Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?

Unbelievable.

The police are moving now on one mob.

The fascist spokesperson for PDRC is bleating on Twitter that they are being attacked. Big cheer went up all down Rama 3 area when MCOT showed the PDRC getting a kicking.

Might be a lot more of this if they not careful

[dukeandduke]

The election now and Feb 2nd is a waste of money again. If the voting is done in february it will be unlawful because of the lack of candidates or similar. The shinaclan is losing ground all the time.

Apparently you're not concerned about the law protecting a citizen's right to vote.

[fab4]

What a banana republic... Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?

Unbelievable.

"Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?"

The Election Commission - though it is obvious now that they have another agenda (and boss/bosses)

[ricku]

DON'T PANIC! Police will arrive at the polling stations soon and start exchanging flowers + bottled water with the protesters.

That'll teach them!

Edited January 26, 2014 by ricku

[Ajaan]

What a banana republic... Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?

Unbelievable.

The police are moving now on one mob.

The fascist spokesperson for PDRC is bleating on Twitter that they are being attacked. Big cheer went up all down Rama 3 area when MCOT showed the PDRC getting a kicking.

Might be a lot more of this if they not careful

It's about time. These Suthep protesters are small in number compared to the majority of Thais--even in Bangkok, one of their "bases,"--who want their right to vote. If the police will not turn back the protesters with restrained, non-lethal violence, then the ordinary citizens are going to have to. It won't take much to send the hi-so madams home crying over a hurt knee. Unfortunately, it will take a bit more with the hired thugs from the South...

[nickynomates]

Null and void.

[drand11]

Once you block the entry, you have done a crime. Its a shame, i guess the Dems feel only they count in this World! Arrest Suthep and all the other leaders of the Dems. Only chance! One more charge for Suthep.

[newcomer71]

What a banana republic... Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?

Unbelievable.

"Who is supposed to protect voters and make sure they exercise their right to vote?"

The Election Commission - though it is obvious now that they have another agenda (and boss/bosses)

Everyone in this country has an agenda. It's a big pity that no one cares about people.

[jollyman]

This is the end of Thailand for me, just as soon as I can tie my business ends up, me and my family heading home.

[Lite Beer]

Thai protesters surround polling stations as advance voting begins

by Apilaporn Vechakij

BANGKOK, January 26, 2014 (AFP) - Thai anti-government protesters surrounded polling stations Sunday as advance voting for controversial elections got under way, authorities said, raising uncertainty over whether the ballot will ultimately be held.

Over two million people are registered for the advance vote ahead of the February 2 election, which was called by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in an attempt to defuse rising political tensions after weeks of mass anti-government protests.

Demonstrators, who have staged a near two-week so-called "shutdown" of Bangkok in an effort to derail the vote, have rejected the election and vowed to congregate around polling stations.

Advance voting is being held for those who are unable to take part in the February 2 election and is routine, although this time it is being seen as a litmus test for the possibility of holding the vote next Sunday without violence.

The country's Election Commission has said that individual polling stations could decide to suspend advance voting if there is a blockade or violence.

Protesters insist they will not obstruct voters, although analysts have questioned whether their actions are tantamount to voter intimidation.

There were no immediate reports of violence on Sunday but Thai television said there had been verbal clashes between voters and protesters at some polling stations.

"There are around 2,500 protesters (in total) in front of at least 13-14 polling stations," in the Thai capital, a National Police officer, who did not want to be named told AFP.

Police would keep a low profile to avoid raising tensions, he said, adding they would go onto the streets in the event of any "unrest".

Protesters also reportedly blocked polling stations in southern Thailand -- where the anti-government movement draws widespread support.

Demonstrators want to topple the government and install an unelected "people's council" to implement loosely-defined reforms that they hope will rid Thailand of the influence of ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra -- Yingluck's older brother.

They do not want the February 2 polls to go ahead, calling for reform before elections.

An AFP reporter at one Bangkok polling station said there was no sign of voters early Sunday as dozens of protesters, many blowing whistles, surrounded the building's entrance which was padlocked as voting opened.

"I'm here to prevent people from voting," said 64-year-old Amornchock, giving one name.

"I'm not against democracy, I'm not against elections, but they have to be fair."

There is mounting uncertainty over whether elections will take place on schedule, after the country's Constitutional Court on Friday ruled that the February polls could legally be delayed because of the crisis.

Yingluck, who has so far refused to resign or delay the poll, is set to meet Election Commission officials on Tuesday.

Nine people have been killed and hundreds injured during nearly three months of protests that have sparked international concern and investor fears over the country's economy.

Sunai Phasuk, Thailand researcher for Human Rights Watch, said it was unclear how the protesters would enact their plan to "persuade" people not to vote without blocking them from doing so.

"What if they refuse to comply? This is a slippery slope and could easily turn into intimidation of voters," Sunai said.

Thailand's political system has been left deeply fractured by years of political turmoil that began shortly before Thaksin was deposed in a military coup in 2006.

The crisis roughly pits Thaksin's supporters from rural and urbanised communities in the north and northeast against his foes within the country's elite, the Bangkok middle classes and parts of the south.

The billionaire tycoon-turned-politician -- who lives abroad to avoid a jail term for corruption that he says was politically motivated -- has won every election since 2001 either directly or more recently through allied parties.

But his opponents accuse him of corruption, "vote buying" and pushing through expensive populist policies to strengthen his electoral position.

The main opposition Democrat Party, which has not won an elected majority in some two decades, is boycotting the latest polls.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-01-26

[whybother]

What is the story in polling booths being open? It's a voting day. Of course they're open.

The news is that some of them are being shut down. Photos are being shown of the ones that have been shut down because that is different.

[Ajaan]

And what is the "one side of the story" that you feel Thai Visa is showing??

Protesters are blocking legal polling places and depriving citizens of Thailand of their right to vote. What more of the story is there? What farang in this world can support that kind of action?

[uty6543]

here is what the people should be doing. Since the Amry and police will not protect their rights to vote

RT@Juarawee: RT @vasu_TRnews: Pro-election protesters couldn’t hold in anger, assaulted a PDRC protesters at Ladkrabung District. pic.twitter.com/VeeKqCFAhf

Typical red shirt supporters response violence is OK. Red shirt democracy = violence

[drand11]

Anyone blocking a voting site should be removed with force uf necessary! Nobody hss tge right to restict voting rights

[jollyman]

THAKSIN??"But his opponents accuse him of corruption, "vote buying" and pushing through expensive populist policies to strengthen his electoral position"

Does anyone really believe Thaksin had enough money to buy 14 million votes???

[drand11]

Anyone blocking a voting site should be removed with force uf necessary! Nobody hss tge right to restict voting rights

[BlueNoseCodger]

Thai protesters surround polling stations as advance voting begins

by Apilaporn Vechakij

"There are around 2,500 protesters (in total) in front of at least 13-14 polling stations," in the Thai capital, a National Police officer, who did not want to be named told AFP.

2500? Sutheps security team size is 2000!

Are there any actual protestors there? Or are we 100% paid for staff? Also can we have more photographs of the affected polling stations to get a better idea of numbers?

[whybother]

Once you block the entry, you have done a crime. Its a shame, i guess the Dems feel only they count in this World! Arrest Suthep and all the other leaders of the Dems. Only chance! One more charge for Suthep.

I didn't see the leaders of the Democrats stopping anyone from voting? Why should they be arrested?

[Suriya4]

Latest update, 18 polling stations in BKK out of 50 have already been closed.

Edited January 26, 2014 by Suriya4