Polls have opened in Thailand's disputed elections in the wake of violent clashes that saw government supporters and opposition protesters open fire on each other on the streets of Bangkok.

The run-up to the poll has been overshadowed by months of often violent street protests aimed at stopping it from taking place.

Yesterday supporters of both sides of Thailand's bitter political divide used automatic weapons, handguns and large stun grenades in a confrontation in Laksi, in the north of the capital.

In response to the clashes, the Election Commission cancelled the ballot in the Laksi district.

Sorry, this video has expired Protests continue ahead of poll. ( Norman Hermant )

More than 93,000 polling stations are set up around the country for the poll, and prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was among the first to vote.

The main opposition Democrat Party, which backs the anti-government protests, is boycotting the election, which Ms Yingluck's party is expected to win but without enough members to achieve a quorum in parliament.

Saturday's clashes erupted after pro-government protesters moved on a polling station occupied by anti-government supporters opposed to today's vote.

After police turned marchers back, the two sides faced off at an intersection.

Passersby and journalists scrambled for cover as gunfire and explosions rang out for well over an hour.

Sporadic gunfire continued as the sun began to set, with masked men openly firing handguns.

As many as six people are believed to have been shot. It is not known how badly they were injured.

ABC journalist Norman Hermant was forced to take cover during the gunfire.

An anti-government protester crawls with his pistol during the gunfight in Laksi district ( Reuters: Nir Elias )

The government's decision to press ahead with the election has riled protesters and inflamed tension in Bangkok, where demonstrators are in their third week of an occupation of several main intersections.

At least 10 people have died and at least 577 have been wounded in politically-related violence since late November, according to the Erawan Medical Centre, which monitors Bangkok hospitals.

Anti-government protesters are demanding Ms Yingluck's elected government step down to make way for an unelected "people's council" that would oversee reforms to tackle corruption and alleged vote-buying.

Protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban has vowed not to stop people from voting, while calling for a peaceful blockade of roads in the city.

Voting in Thailand There are 49 million eligible voters for 375 constituencies

There are 49 million eligible voters for 375 constituencies Bangkok, dominated by the Democrat Party in the last election in 2011, has 33 constituencies

Bangkok, dominated by the Democrat Party in the last election in 2011, has 33 constituencies Out of 2.16 million people who registered for early voting on Jan 26, some 440,000 were unable to vote. They will have another chance on Feb 23

Out of 2.16 million people who registered for early voting on Jan 26, some 440,000 were unable to vote. They will have another chance on Feb 23 In the 2011 election, the Puea Thai Party won 265 seats while the Democrats won 159 seats

"The people will not close the polling booths," he said.

"If anyone comes to try to cause trouble, we absolutely will not argue with them. We won't do anything that will hinder people from going to vote."

Mr Suthep says protesters should not fight voters.

"In the south, for those who are surrounding the places where ballots are being collected, surround them as usual, but I ask that you sit there peacefully," he said.

"Don't back down, don't run away, and do not fight them, just pray. I believe that this poll will be voided for sure."

ABC/wires