Celebrities, superstars vote, call for high turnout

Popular actress Urassaya "Yaya" Sperbund shows her queue number at a polling station in Pattaya, Chon Buri, on Sunday morning. (Photo by Chaiyot Pupattanapong)

Celebrities joined the rush to the polling stations on Sunday, with Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre, Nadech Kugimiya and Urassaya “Yaya" Sperbund among them - and all urging people from all walks to cast their votes and have their say in Thailand's future.

Superstar Thongchai, fondly called “Phi Bird”, arrived at polling station No 61 at Sukchai housing estate on Soi Sukhumvit 101/1 in Phra Khanong district around 8.30am. The 60-year-old pop legend was warmly greeted by his Bangkok fans.

“I have the same feelings every time I go to cast my ballot. I meet everybody here and feel like celebrating my voting right. Personally, I enjoy doing my utmost to fulfil my duty, as it’s the duty of all Thais,’’ Phi Bird said.

He urged all voters to exercise their voting right.

“After the election, any change is to be welcomed, but it should make Thailand better. I myself have a duty to entertain and bring happiness to the Thai people. I am willing to abide by the rules and appeal to all voters to cast their ballots, particularly first-time voters. I would like to see a high voter turnout,’’ the singer said.

In Chon Buri, actress Yaya arrived at polling station No 24 at Muang Pattaya 8 School in South Pattaya on Sunday morning, drawing greetings from many voters.

The 26-year-old actress and her mother Urai Sperbund checked the list of eligible voters for their names and then joined the line up to cast their ballots.

“I am delighted to cast my ballot this time. There has been a general election for a long time. I want to see all voters show their strength and cast their ballots and put good people in parliament.’’

In Khon Kaen, screen heartthrob Nadech and his mother Sudarat arrived at polling station No 103 in Muang district around 10am. Fans of all ages came up to greet, take selfie photos and shake hands with the famous actor.

He said it was people’s dream to have a good government to protect the country. He was there to do his duty now election time was here. But he was not that excited about casting his ballot.

“I will feel excited after the poll is completed and the outcome shows who is the winner and who forms a government. That will excite me. I urge all Thais to come out to exercise their right. Election day is the only time everybody can exercise their right. Let us come out to vote, as it is like following your dream,’’ the star said.

Popular actor Prin “Mark’’ Suparat, actresses Kimberley “Anne’’ Tiamsiri, Davika “Mai’’ Hoorne and other celebrities also showed up at polling stations in their constituencies in Bangkok and in other provinces on Sunday morning.