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"The provincial election officials have been selected after background checks to ensure political impartiality," said EC secretary-general Suthiphon Taveechaiyagarn.

After receiving many complaints claiming personal ties with politicians and parties, he said he had vetted all job applicants.

The assignments were delayed for almost a year due to political turmoil.

Of the 22 women and 288 men recruited, 65 are under 50 while 138 are 50-60 and 110 over 60.

Retired civil servants number 100, followed by 62 civilians, 37 educators, 24 lawyers, 21 police, 11 soldiers and 23 public prosecutors and associate judges.

In Nong Bua Lamphu, critics said the EC had filled all five vacant seats with bureaucrats who - although prominent figures in the province - are not local residents and could create problems if they moved out.

In Khon Kaen, many expressed surprise that an anti-Thaksin campaigner had secured a post.

Suchart Areemit, former dean of Khon Kaen University's Medicine Faculty, was a key member of the local chapter of the People's Alliance for Democracy opposing then-premier Thaksin Shinawatra last year.

Suthiphon said registration for absentee voters would run next Tuesday and Wednesday.

Those wishing to cast ballots at places of convenience rather than their hometowns have to notify the EC, he said. - The Nation