Thailand holds national poll amid tensions

Thailand's tense national election is under way with protesters forcing the closure of hundreds of polling stations in Bangkok, the outcome of which could push Thailand deeper into political turmoil and possible street protests for months. The risk of bloodshed at the ballot on Sunday remains high, a day after seven people were wounded by shooting and explosions during a standoff between supporters and opponents of Yingluck Shinawatra, the prime minister, in a north Bangkok stronghold of her Puea Thai Party. There is also a chance the election could be annulled, as it was in 2006, over a technicality. Ten people have died and at least 577 have been wounded in politically related violence since late November, according to the Erawan Medical Centre, which monitors Bangkok hospitals. Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok.