Thai Rak Thai Party fans dominated the venue as the other major political parties - Democrat, Chat Thai and Mahachon - are boycotting the election.

Yesterday's atmosphere was less lively than the typical first day of election registration: there was none of the usual marching bands, traditional long-drum dances, cheerleaders or side shows.

But there were lots of roses, posters and placards with encouraging messages, and the crowd chanted: "Prime Minister Thaksin fights on," and "We want Thaksin to be prime minister".

When Thaksin and his son Panthongtae arrived at the stadium at 8am, supporters surrounded his vehicle, cheering, waving TRT flags and treating the premier like a superstar.

Thaksin, who is leading his party into a third election in just over five years, made a plea for the opposition parties to join the election.

"All the election laws were written by the Democrats so I'm contesting under rules written by them. I plead with them to run in the election," he said.

The other parties registering yesterday were Thai Farmer, Prachakorn Thai, Thai Ground and People Power. Thaksin met the leaders of the minor parties, who were present with small campaign teams.

At the drawing ceremony, Thaksin was pleased to see TRT receive the number two, and he immediately held up a victory sign to symbolise the number.

Sucheera Pinijparakarn

The Nation