Thai party challenging army rule holds first Bangkok rally

Supporters raise posters of Pheu Thai Party's candidates during an election campaign in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. The nation's first general election since the military seized power in a 2014 coup is expected to be held on March 24. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A supporter of Pheu Thai Party wearing a t-shirt of former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra raise her hand during an election campaign for the party in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Feb. 15, 2019. The nation's first general election since the military seized power in a 2014 coup is expected to be held on March 24. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

BANGKOK – The political party seen as the main challenger to military-dominated government in Thailand has held its first rally in the capital, as campaigning heats up in the first election since a 2014 military coup.

Several thousand Pheu Thai party supporters gathered Friday night outside Bangkok's city hall, waving signs of support as they listened to hours of speeches seeking to turn out the vote for the March 24 polls.

Pheu Thai is the flagship party of the political machine of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which has won every national election since 2001. Thaksin was deposed by a 2006 military coup, and Thailand's conservative establishment has sought to oppose his comeback. The 2014 coup ousted the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra.