Counting underway in Thailand after House of Representatives election

Polls have closed in Thailand after a high-stakes election for 500-seat House of Representatives to select the next prime minister. Major political leaders of the country casted their votes to win the battle for support from 53 million voters.

Thailand's incumbent leader and head of Bhumjaithai Party Anutin Charnvirakul arrived at a polling station in the northeastern province of Buriramon on Sunday.

The prime minister dissolved parliament last December and called an election when he was threatened with a no-confidence motion.

Anutin said he hopes voters will continue to trust his party, which is expected to form a government.

While over 50 parties are contesting the polls, this election is deemed as a three-way race between Bhumjaithai Party, the progressive People's Party, and Pheu Thai Party, which is supported by Thailand's jailed former prime minister and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra.

Among the key issues facing voters are economic growth and nationalistic sentiment following border clashes with Cambodia last year.

Local polls consistently predict that no single party is likely to secure a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government.

Sunday's votings also encompassed a referendum on replacing the currently military-backed constitution.