Thai general election kicks off amid fears of violence

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra looks from behind a booth as she votes at a polling station in Bangkok February 2, 2014.  [Photo/Agencies]

BANGKOK - Voting at all polling stations in three Thai provinces of Ranong, Songkhla and Trang was canceled, as the country's tense general election got under way Sunday amid blockade by anti-government protesters.

Meanwhile, five districts in capital Bangkok could not hold elections at some or all polling stations due to ballots or polling staff shortage caused by the blockade, local media reported.

Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, a member of Thai Election Commission ( EC), failed to cast his vote at a polling station on Phetchaburi Road as there was no polling official at the station.

However, EC Chairman Supachai Somcharoen successfully cast his vote.

Thailand's general election kicked off at 8 a.m. local time Sunday, amid concerns of possible violence and bloodshed due to disruption from anti-government protesters.