Thai election candidates register in Bangkok

Hundreds of would-be lawmakers who’ll contest constituency seats in Thailand’s upcoming general election flocked to a sports stadium in Bangkok on Monday to officially register their candidature. Candidates for the prime minister position will register tomorrow and the election will be held on May 14.

Current Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha recently joined a new party, the United Thai Nation Party, and needs its slate of candidates to perform strongly to bolster his bid to recapture the top spot. Paetongtarn Shinawatra – daughter of ousted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - was also in attendance.

Polls put her and her Pheu Thai Party at the forefront of the race, so far. The election will see 400 directly elected seats and a further 100 seats decided by proportional representation.