United States and EU welcome "free and fair election"

US congratulated Thailand for the "crucial step toward a return to elected government."

"The United States welcomes initial reports indicating that Thailand's parliamentary election today was conducted in a free and fair manner and congratulates the people of Thailand on taking this crucial step toward a return to elected government," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement.

"The United States looks forward to engaging seriously across a range of issues with an elected Thai government, in keeping with the proud history of our warm friendship and strong alliance," the statement added.

Meanwhile Portugal, current holders of the European Union presidency, hailed Sunday's elections in Thailand as a "milestone" in the country that has been ruled by martial law for over a year.

"The European Union considers the general election of 23 December an important milestone on the road back to constitutional order in Thailand," the EU Portuguese presidency said in a statement.

"This election reaffirms the commitment of the people of Thailand to democracy and their determination to decide their own future," it added.

"The European Union looks forward to strong and fruitful relations with a new, elected Royal Thai Government, in the spirit of the long-standing friendship between Thailand and the European Union," it added.

Xinhua and Agencies