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BANGKOK: The by-elections in Bangkok on Sunday could shed light on the political mood of voters in the Kingdom.
Around 2,000 police officers will be deployed at polling places to maintain order.
Democrat Party candidate Panich Vikitsreth stumps for votes in Bangkok's Constituency 6 -- a large and rather rural area made of up of four districts about 35 kilometres from the city centre.
He hopes to fill a parliamentary seat left vacant by the death of an MP from his own party.
Observers will watch the results closely as district six is a diverse area made of up of nearly 400,000 residents.
Results here could be an indicator of political support in this divided country.
Panich Vikitsreth, Democrat Party candidate, says: "Well we cannot deny that, you know, from the constituency issues, to pick one person to be representative, it turns out to be a national contest between the two parties-Democrat and the Puea Thai Party and it also turns out to be a contest between the government and the demonstrators."
The Abhisit government wants to win this otherwise minor race to show its hold on power.
And a win looks likely since the Puea Thai Party challenger Kokaew Pikulthong is currently in prison.
He's awaiting trial on terrorism charges for his part in organising anti-government Red Shirt rallies earlier this year.
Choosing him as the candidate has opened the party up to criticism for trying to get sympathy votes.
Mr Kokaew has not been able to campaign or broadcast any messages from his cell.
Puea Thai Party leaders are realistic about their chances, especially if their candidate is not released in time to campaign.
Kanawat Wasinsangworn, deputy leader, Puea Thai Party, says: "I admit that from the beginning we were seen as the loser, far-behind loser, but according to our polls, we are coming very close. It really means something, even though we are going to be the loser if the result is so close."
Locals know the spotlight is on the race, but say things are more or less normal.
Internal polls from both parties suggest a tight race with a single digit margin.
Though only one seat is being contested, these polls are the first since the violence and and upheaval earlier this year.
It's unclear when the next general elections will be, but it is certain that the results will gauge political sentiment and sympathies in the Kingdom.
- CNA/jm
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