DHAKA: Protesters in Thailand have surrounded polling stations, blocking early voting ahead of next week`s general election, officials say.

Crowds of flag-waving demonstrators chained the doors of polling stations shut, despite promises by protest leaders not to obstruct the polls.

Advance voting has reportedly been cancelled in a number of locations, reports BBC.

Anti-government activists want PM Yingluck Shinawatra to step down and the political system to be reformed.

The country`s election commission has called for the general vote scheduled for 2 February to be postponed because of possible disruption and violence.

But the government has so far insisted that the election must go ahead on schedule.

The latest disturbances comes despite a pledge from protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban, who said on Saturday that his supporters would not obstruct advance voting - although they would demonstrate outside polling stations.

A state of emergency is in place as the authorities struggle to cope with the unrest.

BDST: 1030 HRS, JAN 26, 2014