Hundreds of thousands of voters crowded into schools, parking lots and temples across Thailand on Sunday, eager to cast an early ballot a week before the country's first election in eight years.
Excitement was high on Sunday as voters turned up in large numbers to polling stations.
More than 2.3 million people are expected to vote before the official March 24 poll date.
Since a 2014 coup ousted then-premier Yingluck Shinawatra, the junta has repeatedly postponed democratic elections.
"I finally have a chance to cast my vote as I've waited for so long," said 48-year-old Paka Kaengkhiew as she stood in line in front of the Phra Khanong district office in Bangkok.
In Dusit district -- home to military offices and government buildings -- voters crowded into a schoolyard before a polling station there opened.
At 9am Gen Prem Tinsulanonda, the head of the Privy Council, arrived at the school. Watched by local and international media, the 98-year-old former premier and statesman was pushed in a wheelchair into a classroom beneath a portrait of the late King Rama IX, before walking the final steps to a polling booth.
More than 51 million people are eligible to vote in the official March 24 election.
Analysts say the new electoral system favours the army-aligned party fronted by junta leader Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is running to be civilian prime minister after a government is formed.
But voters on Sunday still held on to hopes for change.
"I vote today in the hope for better change," said Mart Bupa, 53.
