Voters across Thailand are going to the polls today, to elect their municipal mayors and councillors in 76 provinces. His does not include Bangkok, which has a special administrative status and different local election cycle.
According to the office of the Election Commission (EC), both mayoral and councillor elections are being held in 2,121 municipalities, with councillor-only elections in 148.
The EC has predicted a 70% voter turnout today, compared to the average of 66%.
Pol Lt-Col Raphipong Jirapattanalak, deputy secretary-general of the EC, said that they are well-prepared to ensure that the elections are transparent and fair.
In the restive province of Pattani, each polling station is guarded by four defence volunteers and four security officials, to ensure safety for both election officials and voters.
An election official at one polling station, Nupasiah Kuna, said that she is confident that the recent violent incidents will not affect the elections today.
Voting started at 8am and polls close at 5pm.
