Manipur / Northeast India — The Emerging North-East Eco Forum (ENEEF) has officially appointed Ms. Mangka Mayanglambam as its Cultural Ambassador, marking a major step forward in promoting the rich cultural legacy and creative spirit of Northeast India on the global stage.
In her new role, Ms. Mangka will represent the art, music, dance, and indigenous traditions of the region, with a particular emphasis on Manipur’s cultural heritage. She will actively participate in cultural exchange programs, collaborate with international artists, and work closely with creative communities around the world to build bridges of understanding and appreciation.
Through this appointment, ENEEF aims to advance cultural diplomacy by establishing sustainable platforms for artistic collaboration and knowledge sharing. Ms. Mangka’s work will help connect the deep-rooted traditions of Northeast India with global audiences, encouraging long-term partnerships and an enduring respect for indigenous cultural identity.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajendra Pandey, Spokesperson and Advisor of ENEEF, remarked:
“Ms. Mangka Mayanglambam personifies the creativity, authenticity, and cultural richness of Northeast India. Her appointment as Cultural Ambassador reflects ENEEF’s mission to promote genuine cultural voices and foster global intercultural understanding. We are confident that her leadership will strengthen global recognition for the region’s artistic and cultural legacy.”
Adding prestige to the event, Mr. Satyajit Aribam, Chairman of ENEEF, presented a cultural souvenir from Northeast India to the representatives of the Thai Bharat Cultural Lodge (TBCL) — symbolizing a shared commitment to cultural exchange and long-term collaboration between Northeast India and Thailand. The TBCL delegation was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sophana Srijampa, Committee Member of TBCL and a distinguished scholar from the Research Institute for Languages and Cultures of Asia (RILCA), Mahidol University, along with Shri Rajendra Pandey, Joint Secretary of TBCL. Their participation underscored the growing cultural ties between Thailand and Northeast India, emphasizing mutual respect, shared values, and an enduring dedication to cultural preservation and education.
Ms. Mangka’s collaboration with ENEEF is expected to play a vital role in strengthening cultural outreach initiatives, promoting indigenous narratives, and positioning Northeast India as a vibrant and influential contributor to the global cultural landscape.
About ENEEF (Emerging North-East Eco Forum)
ENEEF is a collaborative platform dedicated to promoting ecological awareness, cultural preservation, and sustainable development across Northeast India. Through education, community partnerships, and international engagement, ENEEF strives to connect local traditions with global perspectives, encouraging harmony between people, culture, and the environment.
President Donald Trump is again pushing one of his most controversial foreign‑policy ideas: bringing Greenland under the American flag. In early January, the White House confirmed that it is “discussing a range of options” to acquire the vast Arctic island from Denmark and called securing Greenland a “national security priority” – language rarely used about foreign territory in peacetime. Officials and outside advisers have floated possibilities from a traditional purchase agreement to a looser Compact of Free Association, and, more explosively, say the US president has not ruled out using the military if diplomacy fails.
Since the 19th century, the United States has made several attempts to purchase the island of Greenland from Denmark. (Photo: Birgitte Annie Hansen)
For many in Europe, the notion of the United States seizing a NATO partner’s territory sounds fantastical – or alarming. For Trump’s circle, Greenland is more than a frozen curiosity: it is a forward missile‑warning base, a potential trove of critical minerals and a strategic anchor in a polar region where Russia and China are expanding their footprint. As ice melts and new Arctic shipping lanes open that could rewire trade between Europe and Asia, the contest over this sparsely populated island is becoming a test case for a colder, more transactional geopolitics that stretches far beyond the North Atlantic.
How Trump revived the Greenland dream
Trump’s fascination with Greenland dates back to his first term, when he tried to explore whether the territory could be bought from Denmark and was bluntly told it was not for sale. The idea returned with new intensity in 2026, after US forces helped topple Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and the president publicly linked that operation to a wider willingness to redraw the map in America’s favour. Within days, Trump told reporters that the US “needed” Greenland because it was “covered with Russian and Chinese ships”, and aides began briefing journalists that “all options” were on the table to secure it.
According to US and European officials, at least three broad paths are now under active discussion in Washington. The first is a classic purchase agreement with Denmark – politically unthinkable in Copenhagen, but still popular with some Trump advisers who see historical precedent in America’s 1917 purchase of the Danish West Indies, now the US Virgin Islands. The second is a Compact of Free Association, modelled on deals with Pacific island states that handle their own internal affairs while the US controls defence and has broad strategic access. The third, more hypothetical but no longer dismissed outright by some in Trump’s orbit, is the use of military pressure or presence to force a change in Greenland’s status if talks stalemate.
Reports have also emerged that US officials have quietly studied economic incentives or payments aimed directly at Greenland’s 56,000 residents to encourage greater political distance from Denmark. That idea has enraged politicians in Copenhagen and in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, who see it as a direct attempt to fracture the kingdom of Denmark from within. For Trump’s backers, however, the controversy is a sign that the president is willing to break taboos over territory to secure long‑term US advantage in the Arctic.
A map showing the locations of the United States (orange) and Greenland (green)
Experts say Denmark would be unlikely to resist a military annexation of Greenland. (Reuters: Guglielmo Mangiapane)
The missile‑warning outpost at the “top of the world”
Behind the headline‑grabbing talk of buying Greenland lies a more concrete reality: the United States is already deeply embedded on the island through Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base. Perched on Greenland’s remote northwest coast, Pituffik is the US military’s northernmost installation and a key node in its global missile‑warning and space‑surveillance network. The base hosts the 12th Space Warning Squadron, which operates a powerful phased‑array radar originally built for the Cold War Ballistic Missile Early Warning System and now upgraded to track intercontinental and sea‑launched missiles that could cross the Arctic toward North America.
US Space Force documents describe Pituffik as providing “missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance” from a “Top of the World” vantage point that enables what the Pentagon calls space superiority. In practice, that means the base’s radars and satellite links feed real‑time data to NORAD and US Strategic Command, giving commanders precious minutes to assess a potential nuclear strike or hostile satellite activity. With only about 150 US personnel on site, supported by Danish and Greenlandic workers, the outpost punches far above its weight in Washington’s strategic thinking.
As climate change opens more of the Arctic Ocean, Pituffik’s role is expanding. US and NATO militaries increasingly use the surrounding air and sea space to monitor Russian submarines and long‑range aircraft as they transit between the Arctic and North Atlantic, while also keeping an eye on Chinese research vessels and ice‑capable ships whose dual‑use potential worries Western planners. For Trump’s advisers, full sovereignty or a looser association with Greenland would give the US not just a secure base but greater freedom to expand missile defenses, sensor networks and perhaps even new hypersonic interceptors across the island.
Near Qaanaaq, Avannaata in Greenland
Rare earths, China and the minerals gamble
If missiles and radars explain the military logic, minerals – especially rare earths – drive much of the economic argument Trump’s team makes for going after Greenland. The island hosts significant deposits of rare earth elements, graphite and other critical minerals needed for everything from smartphones and wind turbines to electric vehicle motors and advanced weapons systems. In theory, tapping these resources could help the US and its allies reduce dependence on China, which today dominates both mining and, even more importantly, processing of rare earths.
Photo: Carsten Snejbjerg/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Projects such as the Tanbreez rare earth deposit in southern Greenland have become focal points in this tug‑of‑war. Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies note that US officials lobbied hard to keep Tanbreez from being sold to Chinese buyers, and the deposit is now controlled by a New York‑listed company, Critical Metals Corp, after a deal reportedly accepted at a lower price than Chinese offers. Other ventures, like the Kvanefjeld rare earth and uranium project, have seen Chinese investors pushed out amid geopolitical concerns, even as local environmental groups in Greenland campaign against large‑scale open‑pit mining.
Yet the minerals pitch is far from straightforward. Industry experts interviewed by CNBC and other outlets argue that Washington’s belief it can quickly “break” China’s rare‑earth dominance by turning to Greenland is “absurd”, pointing to low ore grades, harsh weather, minimal infrastructure and the reality that any ore extracted would still likely need to be processed in Chinese facilities for years. The US Geological Survey itself estimates the United States holds rare‑earth reserves greater than Greenland’s, raising the awkward question of why politically explosive Arctic projects should be prioritised over developing resources at home.
From Greenland’s perspective, a minerals boom could be both an opportunity and a risk. The island’s economy remains small – its GDP was only around 3.3 billion dollars in 2023 – and one major mining or processing project could account for a significant slice of output, potentially giving foreign investors outsized leverage. Environmental damage or social disruption from large projects in remote communities could also feed local resentment, especially if profits appear to flow mainly to foreign capitals. That tension between development and autonomy sits at the heart of Greenland’s own debate about how far to embrace US, European or Chinese money.
74th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron F-89s, Thule Air Base, Greenland, 1955
Allies push back, small nation in the middle
If Trump views Greenland as a neglected asset waiting to be claimed, Denmark and many of America’s European allies see something very different: a loyal Arctic partner whose future should not be dictated by great‑power bargaining. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has publicly urged Trump to “cease the threats” and called the notion of the US taking over Greenland a “fantasy”, while lawmakers in Copenhagen warn that any talk of military pressure is incompatible with the spirit of NATO. Other European leaders have signalled that attempts to coerce Greenland could trigger diplomatic or even economic retaliation, deepening transatlantic rifts at a time of war in Ukraine.
Greenland’s own leaders are equally clear that sovereignty decisions must run through Nuuk, not Washington. The island already enjoys broad self‑rule in domestic affairs, with Copenhagen retaining responsibility for defence and foreign policy, and long‑term plans in Nuuk envision a gradual path toward eventual full independence supported by fishing revenue, tourism and carefully managed resource projects. For many Greenlanders, the idea of swapping Danish oversight for US ownership or a highly asymmetric association holds little appeal, especially if it brings intensified military activity or pressure to approve controversial mines.
At the same time, Greenland cannot simply ignore the reality of intensifying interest from global powers. China has branded itself a “near‑Arctic state” and tried to invest in airports and mining projects on the island, moves that have already spooked Denmark and the US. Russia’s military build‑up along its Arctic coast and on islands like Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya has pushed NATO to look for more northern basing and surveillance options, putting Greenland back at the centre of strategy discussions in Brussels and Washington. For a territory of just tens of thousands of people, navigating these pressures will only get harder as the Arctic warms.
Why this Arctic fight matters to Asia
At first glance, a tug‑of‑war over an icy island near the North Pole may feel distant for readers in Bangkok or Singapore, but what happens in Greenland could reshape the map of global trade and technology – including in Asia. As sea ice retreats, new Arctic shipping routes such as the Northern Sea Route along Russia’s coast and potential trans‑polar passages could shorten travel times between northern Europe and northeast Asia by thousands of kilometres compared with traditional routes via the Indian Ocean and Malacca Strait. While these routes will not replace busy lanes through Southeast Asia soon, they could gradually shift some high‑value, time‑sensitive cargo northward, changing port competition and logistics patterns that countries like Thailand closely track.
On the technology side, Greenland’s role in rare earths ties directly into Asia’s manufacturing base. China currently dominates not only mining but also refining of rare earth elements, and even if Greenland were developed under US‑friendly terms, its ores would likely still be shipped to Asia for processing until alternative plants are built elsewhere. That means any scramble for Greenland’s minerals will feed into broader efforts by Japan, South Korea, ASEAN states and India to diversify critical materials supply chains for electric vehicles, batteries and defence industries. For investors, shippers and policymakers across the Indo‑Pacific, Greenland’s future is becoming another barometer of how far great‑power rivalry will reshape the world’s economic geography.
For BangkokScoop readers, the message is clear: the battle for Greenland is not just a quirky story about Trump and an icy island – it is a window into the next phase of global competition over security, minerals and climate‑driven trade routes that will, sooner or later, touch Asia’s shores as well.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand) is set to unveil a new global campaign starring Thailand-born global icon Lalisa “Lalisa Manobal” as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador. A teaser is scheduled for early January 2026, with the campaign designed to trigger the next wave of the much-celebrated “LISA Effect” and encourage travelers to experience Thailand through her distinctive lens.
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said LISA’s global influence and creative energy will help present Thailand in fresh, compelling ways—spotlighting iconic landmarks alongside lesser-known destinations—while strengthening national pride and reinforcing visitor confidence. The initiative supports TAT’s broader strategy to maintain Thailand’s standing as a premier global destination.
Since LISA’s appointment in October, public enthusiasm has surged nationwide. Social media has been abuzz with users suggesting destinations they hope to see featured, reflecting a shared eagerness to showcase Thailand’s diversity. TAT has woven this public feedback into the campaign’s creative direction, ensuring LISA’s journey highlights the country’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and authentic local lifestyles.
The power of the “LISA Effect” is well documented. In 2021, her “LALISA” music video spotlighted Buri Ram landmarks such as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, leading to a doubling of visitor numbers and a boost for local businesses—from cafés to street food vendors known for the province’s signature meatballs.
Momentum continued in 2024 when her “Rockstar” video, filmed in Bangkok, transformed areas like Yaowarat and the former Oscar Theater on Phetchaburi 39 into must-visit spots. The video amassed 10 million views within six hours, driving a spike in searches for Yaowarat and earning the area the moniker “The Hollywood of Thailand.”
In 2025, LISA’s appearances at coastal destinations—including Ko Samui and Ko He—further accelerated tourism growth, with Ko Samui recording a 51% rise in arrivals in Q2. Her visit to Ayutthaya, where she wore modern Thai attire at historic temples, also sparked a cultural movement encouraging temple visits in Thai fabrics—revitalising traditional crafts and community-based tourism.
Building on these successes, TAT’s 2026 campaign with LISA will continue to showcase Thailand’s vibrant mix of heritage, creativity, and natural splendour—strengthening the Amazing Thailand brand and elevating the country’s profile on the world stage.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is transforming the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade into a festival of international prominence under its Signature Event Thailand initiative. Scheduled from 20–24 December 2025 in Tha Rae Municipality, Sakon Nakhon, the five-day celebration will feature expanded programmes, richer storytelling, and immersive lighting and drone spectacles, designed to enhance visitor engagement while generating sustainable benefits for local communities.
Celebrated for over a century, the Christmas Star Parade is a cornerstone of Sakon Nakhon’s cultural identity and one of Northeastern Thailand’s most distinctive Christian traditions. Inspired by the guiding star of the Nativity, the procession has grown into a powerful symbol of spiritual devotion, artisanal creativity, and strong community bonds.
TAT Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool noted that the festival embodies the enduring spirit and imagination of the Tha Rae community. By elevating its narrative and visitor experiences, TAT aims to introduce this unique tradition to global audiences while ensuring tourism delivers meaningful value at the local level. With its deep cultural roots and contemporary creative elements, she said, the parade has the potential to stand alongside Thailand’s most iconic cultural events worldwide.
For 2025, TAT has woven modern creative elements into the festival while respecting its spiritual foundations. Immersive lighting installations will highlight key heritage landmarks, including the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel and Tha Rae’s century-old stone houses, enhancing the area’s historic atmosphere.
Across the five days, visitors can enjoy AI-powered photo spots, sustainability-focused creative workshops, a family-friendly snow experience, and Amazing Thailand–branded illuminated star vehicles. Interactive activities such as cupcake decorating, star ornament crafting, and recycled-material jewellery workshops encourage hands-on participation while promoting responsible, community-led tourism.
From 20–22 December, and during daytime activities on 23 December, events will take place along the walking street and Martino Pavilion, creating a continuous festive environment that blends culture, heritage, and everyday community life. Activities begin at 14.00 on 20 December, and from 10.00 on 21–23 December. Visitors can explore local indigo textiles, artisanal products, regional cuisine, and guided heritage walks through the historic Christian quarter.
Local musicians, schools, and youth groups will animate the festival with performances throughout the day, while evening variety shows start from 19.00. A major visual highlight on 22 December is the public display of large illuminated star vehicles along Ratcharoen Road from 17.00. Programmes from 20–23 December run until 22.30 each evening.
The festival’s main highlight takes place on the evening of 23 December. Float registration opens at 15.00, followed by formation at 16.00 at the Martino Pavilion. At 18.00, the illuminated star procession begins, with elaborately decorated star vehicles parading along the route before returning at 20.00. Festivities continue with Christmas performances by local schools and communities, leading into the official opening ceremony at 20.30. The evening includes Christmas blessings, a candy shower, gift exchanges, a sacred nativity drama, awards for outstanding illuminated star floats, live music, and TAT’s signature drone light show.
On 24 December, the celebration shifts to a more traditional and sacred Christmas Eve observance. A handheld star procession gathers at 18.00 at the Martino Pavilion and departs at 18.30, circling the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel before entering the church. The evening continues with Christmas Mass, followed by a nativity performance by local youth at the Grotto of the Infant Jesus, concluding after religious services in keeping with long-held tradition.
By positioning the Sakon Nakhon Christmas Star Parade within Thailand’s expanding portfolio of culturally distinctive festivals, TAT seeks to raise global awareness of the nation’s diverse cultural heritage. This effort builds on the international recognition of Songkran as a UNESCO-listed cultural heritage and the growing global appeal of Loi Krathong as one of Asia’s most enchanting light festivals, reinforcing Thailand’s commitment to sharing authentic, community-rooted cultural experiences with the world.
The last We-Women Network session was a gentle yet powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with awareness and small, conscious choices. Our session on Sustainability in Everyday Life was thoughtfully led by Deepali Nair, a leadership coach and sustainability facilitator, who shared practical, everyday actions that women can easily integrate into their lives—reinforcing the belief that small steps, taken consistently, can create a profound collective impact.
This was followed by a deeply freeing art experience with Deeptina Kothari, an artist who reminded us that art is for everyone. Through simple guided exercises, women discovered how drawing can become a medium of self-expression and emotional release, and how anxiety gently dissolves when creativity flows without judgment.
As the November gathering concluded, we met for coffee—intentionally without an agenda. In that chatty yet nourishing space, each woman spoke about her gratitude and shared her intentions for 2026. It was a moment of authentic connection, reinforcing our shared commitment to continue collaborating, supporting one another, and doing meaningful work—rooted in the collective strength of women.
Our Vision for 2026
The WeWomen Network’s 2026 calendar reflects our core philosophy: knowledge-sharing over selling, connection over comparison, and inclusivity over credentials. Our sessions are designed to nurture the mind, body, emotions, creativity, and spirit, while also extending compassion beyond ourselves through community service. Titles, professions, and social roles do not define value here—every woman, including homemakers, is equally seen, heard, and valued.
Gratitude to Mr. Sunil Kothari who has been our collaborator and has sponsored Pacific City Club , the space for the workshop. Also, gratitude to other collaborators, BangkokScoop and Digital Living as well
We-Women Network – 2026 Sessions & Gatherings
January 24, 2026
* Sabina Tripathi
Reclaim Your Sleep and Overcome Anxiety with RTT
* Neeru Sharma
From Prakriti to Plate: Understanding Vata, Pitta, and Kapha for Holistic Vedic Nutrition
March 7, 2026
* Community Visit
Visiting an Old Age Home : Bangkhae Home Foundation
A day of presence, listening, and shared humanity.
May 30, 2026
* Priyanka Sehgal
The Aura and Chakras: Learning to Read Energy in 40 Minutes
* Anushree
Move with Ease: Low-Intensity Chair Pilates for Busy Women
July 25, 2026
* Joanne Naraksompong
From Surviving to Thriving: Rewriting Your Money Story
* Akansha
Social Media Checklist: Make the Algorithm Work for You
August 15, 2026
* Community Visit
Camillian Children’s Home for Children with Special Needs
September 26, 2026
* Pacharee (Nui)
Navigating the Thai Market: Thai Cultural Beliefs and Their Impact on Business
* Pooja Mirchandani
A Safe, Guided Hypnosis Space for Women Who Carry Too Much—To Rest, Reset, and Feel Lighter
November 21, 2026
* Nidhi Jhawar
Heartfulness Meditation
* Neelu Dey
Express Your Heart to Experience the Artist Within
December 2026
* Celebration of Movement, Joy, and Cultural Union
Dance for Fun and the Union of Thai–Indian Culture
– Deepali Nair: Indian Folk Dance
– Kamolrat Kitikannakorn: Thai Dance for Relaxation
The Essence of We-Women Network
We-Women Network is not just a platform for pitching products or showcasing professions. It is a safe, nurturing space where women come together to learn, share, heal, create, and grow—collectively. Whether one leads a company, manages a home, creates art, or is still discovering her path, every woman belongs.
As we step into 2026, we do so with gratitude for the journey so far, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to building a community where women rise—not alone, but together.
Trump said the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a complete ceasefire, describing the blast that killed and injured Thai soldiers as accidental, though Thailand’s response was forceful. On December 13, 2025, he posted on social media that discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet were positive and focused on renewed clashes.
He added that both sides accepted a total ceasefire effective Friday evening U.S. time, or early Saturday in Thailand, and would return to a peace framework brokered with his involvement and supported by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Trump noted that both countries are ready to move toward peace and continue trade with the United States.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed receiving a call from Trump to discuss the Thai-Cambodian situation and said Malaysia is prepared to help de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, and restore regional stability. As ASEAN chair, Anwar also announced plans to convene a special meeting of foreign ministers to review the situation and support de-escalation efforts.
Filmmaker Sunil Kothari’s highly anticipated Avyaan marks a significant milestone as internationally acclaimed director Gaurav Khati collaborates for the first time with talented actress Anushka Kaushik. This powerful union of vision and performance lies at the heart of the film, which also introduces debutant Chayan Chopra to Indian cinema.
Avyaan is more than just a story. It is a reflection of India’s rich cultural fabric, age-old traditions and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. Deeply rooted in Indian ethos, the film takes audiences on an inner journey shaped by rituals, beliefs and the unseen forces that guide human destiny. Under Gaurav Khati’s direction, the narrative unfolds with a unique visual and emotional language, creating an immersive cinematic experience that feels both grounded and profound.
Known for his international recognition and distinct storytelling style, Gaurav Khati brings a sensitive, thoughtful and culturally rooted approach to Avyaan. His vision aligns seamlessly with Anushka Kaushik’s nuanced and grounded performance. Their coming together for this meaningful project adds a new dimension to the film and makes it one of the most awaited collaborations in this space.
Speaking about the film, director Gaurav Khati said, “Avyaan is a very special project for me. It is deeply inspired by our culture, traditions and the invisible forces that shape who we are. Working with Anushka for the first time has been truly inspiring. She has brought incredible honesty and strength to her character. This film is a journey that goes beyond the screen and connects with something ancient and familiar within us.”
Producer Sunil Kothari shared that Avyaan has been crafted with great care and intention, with every frame designed to honour India’s cultural essence while making it relatable to audiences across the world.
With a compelling cast, a visionary director and a story deeply rooted in Indian tradition, Avyaan is set to stand out as a landmark film that blends emotion, heritage and cinematic brilliance.
The teaser and trailer of Avyaan are set to release soon, offering audiences their first glimpse into this powerful and captivating world.
Thailand has updated its nationwide alcohol regulations, introducing a six-month trial that allows sales during the previously restricted afternoon period. Alcohol may now be purchased between 11.00–14.00, 14.00–17.00 (trial hours effective 3 December 2025), and 17.00–24.00. Hotels, licensed entertainment venues, and outbound airport terminals may serve alcohol beyond these times under approved permits.
Travellers who have already purchased and begun drinking before a restricted period may continue for up to one additional hour, provided the drink was bought before the cut-off.
Alcohol remains prohibited in temples, government buildings, public parks, petrol stations, and all public transport areas—including stations, piers, and non-licensed airport zones. Fines and ID checks may apply.
Most reputable venues in major tourist cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin, and Samui operate under official licences allowing extended service. The legal drinking age is 20, and spot inspections can occur.
Visitors are advised to carry ID, drink only at licensed venues, follow venue guidance on hours, and avoid informal pop-up bars. Safe transport planning and adherence to local rules are strongly encouraged.
On December 2, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed 267 deaths from severe flooding in southern Thailand. Songkhla Province reported 229 deaths, including 142 in Hat Yai, an increase from the previous day. Several other provinces also reported casualties.
Mental-health teams screened 7,340 people, identifying high stress and suicide-risk cases. A special identification center at Prince of Songkla University is handling verification through physical exams, autopsies, fingerprints, and DNA when needed.
Officials clarified that container movement during autopsies caused misunderstanding about body counts. All bodies are identifiable, and speculation of deaths in the thousands is false. Health teams continue supporting affected communities and treating flood-related illnesses.
