Thai vote starts peacefully, but political paralysis looms

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By Martin Petty BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand went to the polls under heavy security on Sunday in an election that could push the divided country deeper into political turmoil and leave the winner paralyzed for months by street protests, legal challenges and legislative limbo. The risk of bloodshed at the ballot remains high, a day after seven people were wounded by gunshots and explosions during a standoff between supporters and opponents of embattled Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in a north Bangkok stronghold of her Puea Thai Party. Voting was called off in the district for fear of possible further violence, the Election Commission said. Sanguan Charladkitsirikul, a 54-year-old account manager, rode his bicycle to vote under a canopy in a carpark near the main port in Bangkok where just two policemen were on guard.




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