A pro-military political party in Thailand has taken an unexpected lead in the country's first election since the army took power five years ago.
With more than 90% of ballots counted, the Palang Pracha Rath Party has gained 7.6m of the popular vote - half a million more than Pheu Thai.
Pheu Thai is linked to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, whose loyalists have won every election since 2001.
Official preliminary results, which may differ, are due later on Monday.
The electoral commission has said full official results will be issued on 9 May.
More than 50 million people were eligible to vote, but turnout was reportedly low for Thailand at just 65%.
There are growing complaints about irregularities and reports suggest the electoral commission may issue a correction to its figures later on.
However it is looking likely that the Palang Pracha Rath Party (PPRP) will be in a position to form a government under the current leader, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup that ousted Mr Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2014.
More at Thailand election: Pro-military political party takes lead
With more than 90% of ballots counted, the Palang Pracha Rath Party has gained 7.6m of the popular vote - half a million more than Pheu Thai.
Pheu Thai is linked to former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, whose loyalists have won every election since 2001.
Official preliminary results, which may differ, are due later on Monday.
The electoral commission has said full official results will be issued on 9 May.
More than 50 million people were eligible to vote, but turnout was reportedly low for Thailand at just 65%.
There are growing complaints about irregularities and reports suggest the electoral commission may issue a correction to its figures later on.
However it is looking likely that the Palang Pracha Rath Party (PPRP) will be in a position to form a government under the current leader, General Prayuth Chan-ocha, who led the coup that ousted Mr Thaksin's sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, in 2014.
More at Thailand election: Pro-military political party takes lead
