Thais vote in by-polls that may reignite crisis

The new balloting in 40 districts took place mainly in southern Thailand, a bastion of the opposition, which boycotted the general election on April 2.

Despite increased security across Thailand's southernmost provinces, where more than 1,200 people have been killed in two years of unrest, one security officer was killed and at least four injured in attacks by suspected militants.

Sunday's by-elections could determine when, or if, parliament will convene.

Thai law requires all 500 seats to be filled for parliament to meet, but the election commission projected that about 10 seats would remain empty even after the balloting.