Bnagkok: Prior to a highly anticipated election next week, Thais lined up to cast early ballots Sunday outside of temples, shopping malls, and schools in the sweltering sun.

Before the country's election on May 14—which is expected to feature a clash between army-backed establishment parties and resurgent opposition movements—more than 2 million Thais nationwide have registered to vote early.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha, who seized control in a coup in 2014 before solidifying it in a contentious election in 2019, has been languishing in opinion polls with voters favouring the more radical Move Forward Party and the traditional opposition party Pheu Thai.

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But in order to have any chance of forming the next government, challengers need to win by a landslide because the electoral system is heavily biassed in favour of the parties supported by the army.

After casting her ballot, 28-year-old mall employee Srisuda Wongsa-ad said, "I hope this election will change the country in a better way."

She was one of many voters waiting patiently in queue at a polling place in Bangkok's posh Ekkamai district to cast her ballot at the Wat That Thong temple, which is watched over by golden standing Buddhas.

She added that she was voting early because it was more convenient for her and added, "I am voting for a candidate and party that I like, that can meet my needs.

Voters were crowded into the Royal Paragon Hall shopping centre in another part of the capital, though they were cooler ones who were taking advantage of the air conditioning.

Despite the early hour, the capital, which along with much of Thailand, suffered from a brutal April heatwave, was sweltering and temperatures were expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius later on Sunday.

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At Ramkhamhaeng University, one of Bangkok's largest polling places, machines sprayed a fine mist of water over neatly organised lines just before noon as the temperature rose. But there were still large crowds present, and there was heavy traffic and congestion near crowded polling places.

20-year-old first-time voter Pasawee Sriarunothai, who won't be in Bangkok on May 14, said, "I am quite excited." Pasawee stated, "I base my decision to vote on the party's policies and I hope this election will usher in a better future for the nation.

"I want the younger generation to lead the nation. Before casting her ballot at Wat That Thong, Nantthapon Phomput, 28, said, "I want to try something new. One of the opposition parties, Pheu Thai, has Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the billionaire ex-leader and daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, running for prime minister.

While Pheu Thai continues to be in the lead, Pita Limjaroenrat, the head of the competing opposition Move Forward party, has surpassed Paetongtarn as respondents' preferred candidate for prime minister. Numerous early voters were anticipated by the authorities.

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Around 3,000 security officers would be on duty throughout the capital, the police announced to the local media on Saturday. They also issued a warning about increased traffic around polling places. 100,000 more Thais who reside abroad will also cast their ballots early; some have already done so. This election is open to more than 52 million citizens.