Thais queue at temples, schools as early voting begins

Thais queued under the blistering sun outside temples, shopping centres and schools to cast their early ballots Sunday ahead of election next week. More than two million Thais nationwide are registered to vote early ahead of the kingdom's May 14 election.

Polls will close at 5 pm, with alcohol sales across Thailand banned until 6 pm.Authorities had anticipated large numbers of early voters. Police told local media Saturday there would be around 3,000 security officers deployed across the capital, and warned residents to expect heavier traffic congestion around poll sites. 

An additional 100,000 Thais living overseas will also vote early, with some having already done so.More than 52 million citizens are eligible to vote in this election.