About 50 million voters are heading to the polls in Thailand for the first general election since the 2014 coup.<\/p>\n
Thailand has been buffeted by political instability for years, largely a battle between supporters of the military and ousted former PM Thaksin Shinawatra.<\/p>\n
After seizing power the army promised to restore order and democracy, but has repeatedly postponed the vote.<\/p>\n
Critics say a new constitution the army introduced will ensure it remains influential whatever the outcome.<\/p>\n
Turnout is expected to be high for this first election since 2011.<\/p>\n
More than seven million people aged between 18-26 are eligible to vote for the first time and could be key to victory, so all parties have been keen to court their vote.<\/p>\n
On the eve of the election, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn issued a statement urging “peace and order” during the voting process.<\/p>\n
The statement, which was featured on national television on Saturday evening, urged voters to “support the good people”.<\/p>\n
The election is primarily a contest between pro-military parties and allies of Mr Thaksin.<\/p>\n
He was ousted in a coup in 2006 and lives in self-imposed exile to avoid a conviction for abuse of power. But he still has a significant following, largely among rural and less affluent voters.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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