Polls opened in Thailand on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as progressive reformers and military-backed conservatives vied for control in a closely watched general election, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, in Japan, a documentary explored the growing loneliness crisis, and severe weather continued to batter Spain and Portugal, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Polling stations in Thailand opened at 8 am local time (01:00 GMT) and were scheduled to close at 5 pm (10:00 GMT), Al Jazeera reported. The election followed a period of political instability, with the country having cycled through three prime ministers in as many years.
In Japan, the documentary "Dear Tomorrow" examined the issue of loneliness, which has become particularly severe due to the pressures of modern life, isolating individuals from their communities, according to Al Jazeera. The film highlighted the work of "A Place for You," a mental health hotline providing support to those in need.
Severe weather also impacted Europe. A "storm train" of consecutive winds and rains battered Spain and Portugal, forcing 11,000 people to flee their homes, Sky News reported. A man, believed to be about 70, died in Portugal after his car was swept away by flood water, local authorities said. Additionally, police found a body in Malaga, near where a woman was swept away by a river.
In Tokyo, just hours before polls opened in a snap election, hundreds of people crowded into a park to see Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, according to Sky News. Despite the cold temperatures, there was a sense something significant was unfolding.
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