Thailand starts second stage of poll registration

The second stage of the registration of Party-list candidates for the upcoming Thai election began on December 28 amid tightened security, especially in Bangkok.
The second stage of the registration of Party-list candidates for theupcoming Thai election began on December 28 amid tightened security,especially in Bangkok.

Secretary General of Thai ElectionCommission Puchong Nutrawong said demonstrators have surrounded severalregistration venues in southern Thailand, forcing some local electionbodies to stop working.
The second stage is expected to conclude on January 1.

Also on December 28, an anti-government protester died and severalothers were wounded after an unknown gunman opened fire at a rally sitenear the government headquarters in Bangkok. Thai police verified theshooting.

On the night of December 27, leader of theopposition Suthep Thuagsuban warned that following the New Yearcelebrations, protesters will take stronger actions to topple theGovernment of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and disrupt theelection slated for February 2.

The Bangkok medical centre reported that since November, at least eight have been killed and 499 others wounded in clashes.-VNA

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