PATTAYA -  Thai and foreign tourists opted to relax on the beach on Saturday night, when entertainment venues were closed for advance voting  on Sunday ahead of the general election the next Sunday.

Border closures, rising logistics costs and lower levels of production, procurement and sales are among the major challenges Japanese firms in Thailand have had to cope with following the Thai-Cambodian border conflict in the second half of 2025.

Thailand's leading paediatric organisations have urged the National Health Security Office (NHSO) to include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in the universal health care scheme, saying protection against severe but preventable childhood diseases is a sound public investment.

Chiang Mai Neurological Hospital has reported success in treating patients with Parkinson's disease using apomorphine subcutaneous injections, particularly in cases where patients show intermittent responses to medication.

Suchart Chomklin, a leading figure of the Bhumjaithai party, has declared that Chon Buri is firmly under his party's control, saying voters have already decided and no seats will be left for rival parties in the province.

Political parties have voiced support for Thai sex workers ahead of the Feb 8 poll, vowing more protection and dignity under the law in a country where prostitution remains a crime.

The Progressive Social Security group has come under renewed scrutiny after members of the People's Party (PP) denied backing a policy that would allow migrants to sit on the Social Security Office (SSO) board, despite evidence suggesting the proposal had previously featured in the group's campaign platform.

Leaked documents have revealed the findings of an inquiry into the procurement of antigen test kits (ATKs) by Supat Hasuwannakit, citing the use of privately supplied kits prior to retroactive procurement and the splitting of purchases to bypass approval limits.

In the final week before election day, parties have intensified their campaigns, unveiling more targeted policies and sharpening their messages in a last push to win over undecided voters while consolidating their core support.

The Election Commission (EC) has stepped up monitoring in 42 provinces where electoral competition is considered intense.