Thousands of Thais turned out in force as early voting began ahead of next week's general elections in Thailand.

In the 10 constituencies in northern Chiang Mai province, around 66,780 people were eligible to cast their ballots in schools, malls, and Buddhist temples on May 7 - a week before the official voting day on May 14.

Footage shows residents braving the vicious heat and chronic air pollution to vote at the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre polling station.

Ratchanawan Panson, 70, was the first to arrive at 6 AM - two hours before the centre opened. She said: 'I've been working for 10 years as a maid for a foreign company in Chiang Mai. I always participate in advance voting, and I try to come first every time to exercise my right to vote.'

There were minor problems reported such as difficulties finding names or confusion in submitting ballots, but the early voting was completed without much issue.

More than 52 million Thais are registered to vote in the general election.

The daughter of former Man City owner Thaksin Shinawatra, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 36, from the country's Pheu Thai party is currently the frontrunner being tipped to win.

However, all candidates face an uphill struggle not just to win the most votes, but to unseat the incumbent military government which has a history of coups along with smoke-and-mirrors political tactics to retain power.