Special report: Crisis in Thailand

    BANGKOK, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's statesman and President of the Privy Council Gen. Prem Tinsulanond and other celebrities turned out to cast their ballots in advance on Saturday, the Thai News Agency reported.

Soldiers in Thai South cast their votes on March 25, 2006. [Xinhua/AFP]

    Prem, who was a former prime minister, exercised his right at the 6th constituency of Bangkok's Dusit area.

    Senate Speaker Suchon Chaleekrue and former defense minister Gen.Yuthasak Sasiprapha, on the other hand, cast their ballots in Bang Khen area.

    Several military officers also turned out to exercise their right in Bang Khen constituencies, where many military units are located.

    As well, a number of local eligible voters across the country turned out to cast their ballots in advance of the upcoming April 2 snap election.

A handicapped  casts his vote in Thailand on March 25, 2006. [Xinhua/AFP]

    Prem also urged voters to go out to exercise their voting right.

    The respected statesman, however, declined to give any comment on anti-Thaksin demonstrators' plan to seek for a royally-appointed prime minister from His Majesty the King to replace caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

    Eligible voters across the country who registered for the advance poll can exercise their right from March 25-26 at their respective areas. Enditem