At least three Bangkok gubernatorial candidates were among voters at their polling stations to cast their ballots when voting started at 8am this morning (Sunday).

Former transport minister Chadchart Sittipunt arrived at the polling station in front of Chamchan School in Wattana district on a bicycle shortly before 8am. He told reporters that he had been blessed by his mother before he left home this morning.

Former Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang also showed up by 8am to vote at a polling station at the Debsirin School in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district, while Sita Diwari, of the Thai Sang Thai party, arrived at a polling station in Sai Mai district to cast the ballots.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan cast his votes in Wang Thong Lang district this morning.

A small army of reporters was waiting at polling station 13, in Phaya Thai district, for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha,who turned up at about 9am to vote.

Voter turnout, at the time of this report, was thin at most polling stations, but the numbers are expected to increase latertoday.

Strict safety measures have been imposed at all polling stations. Voters will have their temperatures checked, they must wear face masks all the time and keep one-metre from each other. They are advised to bring their own pen and sanitising gel and to return home immediately after the voting.

At the polls, voters are given a brown ballot for the gubernatorial election and a pink one for the council election.

According to the city administration’s census data, on May 22nd there are 4,402,491 eligible voters in Bangkok.