Puea Thai party begins campaigning for Feb 2 polls

Images of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra are seen on election campaign posters of the ruling Pheu Thai Party in central Bangkok, on Jan 3, 2014. Thailand's ruling Puea Thai Party began election campaigning on Saturday, Jan 4, 2014, amid pressure from protesters to abandon its role as caretaker government in the lead up to snap polls on Feb 2, 2014. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

Thailand's ruling Puea Thai Party began election campaigning on Saturday amid pressure from protesters to abandon its role as caretaker government in the lead up to snap polls on Feb 2.

The party held rallies in north and northeast Thailand, and also a province just outside Bangkok in order to avoid confrontations with anti-government protesters that have camped out in the capital since late October.

In Muang Thong Thani district just outside Bangkok this evening, the Puea Thai's candidates took to the stage amid cheers from supporters who want to see the Feb 2 polls go ahead.

Concurrent rallies took place in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Sawan provinces.

REUTERS