Polling opens in Thai general election
The Hindu
Thailand votes amid political instability, with no clear majority expected, prompting anticipated coalition negotiations post-election results.
Voting opened Sunday (February 8, 2026) in a Thai general election pitting the popular reformists who came first last time against the conservative who ended up as Prime Minister, with ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra looming large from his prison cell.
The Southeast Asian nation's next government will need to reckon with a longstanding border dispute with Cambodia that erupted into deadly fighting twice last year.
"We need a strong leader who can protect our sovereignty," said Yuernyong Loonboot, 64, the first voter to cast his ballot at a polling station in Buriram, the hometown of incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
"Living here, the border conflict has made me anxious. War was never something we used to think about."
Economic growth is anaemic, with the tourism sector vital but arrivals yet to return to their pre-Covid highs, and multibillion-dollar transnational cyberscam networks operate from several neighbouring countries.
No party is forecast to win an outright majority, and coalition negotiations are expected to follow the results.
Nepal's March 5 election aims to restore democracy amid recent protests and regional geopolitical tensions.
Russia accuses Ukraine of using sea drones to attack and sink a tanker carrying liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean.
Nepal deploys over 300,000 security personnel for the March 5 polls, ensuring safety and minimal invalid ballots through voter education.
U.S. military strikes Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, prompting rescue operations for sailors amid escalating tensions.
Explore the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, detailing key events and retaliatory actions over the first five days of war.
Thailand's election commission certifies results, paving the way for a new parliament and government formation.
The U.K. charters a repatriation flight for stranded nationals amid West Asia conflict, enhancing security with a Royal Navy deployment.
Iran seeks to quickly appoint a new Supreme Leader following Khamenei's death, amid threats from Israel regarding potential assassinations.
Israel escalates air strikes in Lebanon, killing 11 and targeting Hezbollah amidst ongoing conflict and civilian evacuations.
Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez defends anti-war stance on Iran amid Trump's trade threats, emphasizing global responsibility and values.
In the present-day context, when both regional and global order is being reshaped, Iran’s growing confrontation with the United States and Israel continues to shape the current regional security narrative.
Iran's judiciary chief threatens those who say or do anything' in support of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes
Iran's judiciary chief threatens severe penalties, including death, for supporting U.S.-Israeli airstrikes amid rising tensions.
U.N. experts express deep concern over child deaths in escalating Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting a school bombing in Iran.