Taiwanese Fugitive, 15 Chinese Nationals Arrested in Bangkok Scam Probe

By

-

28 November 2025, 01:45

huay khwang scammers2 — Police question all 16 suspects inside a briefing room at Huai Khwang Police Station in Bangkok on Nov. 27, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thai police arrested 16 foreign nationals — including 15 Chinese citizens and a Taiwanese man wanted on three warrants — during a raid on a condominium in Bangkok’s Rama 9 area after investigators linked the group to international scam operations.

Huai Khwang police and immigration officers raided the condo on Nov. 27 following a tip about unusual activity. Officers detained the group inside a unit in the district.

Police said 13 of the suspects had violated immigration laws. Twelve Chinese nationals were found to have entered Thailand illegally through undocumented routes, allegedly crossing into the country via Tak province after fleeing Myanmar. Another suspect overstayed a visa, while three others held valid Prestige visas.

huay khwang scammers3 — Police escort all 16 suspects for questioning at Huai Khwang Police Station in Bangkok on Nov. 27, 2025.

Taiwanese Man Wanted

The Taiwanese suspect is wanted in Taiwan on warrants related to drug offenses, fraud and money laundering. Police said he admitted during questioning that he had been prosecuted previously for operating mule bank accounts, claiming scammers recruited him because of his computer science skills. He told investigators he had been assigned to work on romance scams and investment fraud schemes in exchange for 50,000 New Taiwan dollars for opening two mule accounts.

Ties to Myanmar Scam Gangs

Huai Khwang police chief Col. Prasopchok Iampinit said several of the suspects had worked for scam networks in Myanmar and fled after authorities tightened border crackdowns. The Taiwanese suspect and others reportedly slipped into Thailand through Tak province and arrived at the condominium around 4 a.m. on Nov. 27.

huay khwang scammers1 — Police Col. Prasopchok Iampinit, chief of Huai Khwang Police Station, displays a record of the Taiwanese suspect wanted on three warrants issued in Taiwan, at Huai Khwang Police Station in Bangkok on Nov. 27, 2025.

Police said the unit had been rented for a year by a Chinese woman who claimed she was the girlfriend of one suspect. She told officers she knew only him and two friends and denied knowing the rest of the group.

Investigators are reviewing a vehicle believed to have been used to transport the suspects and are looking into possible assistance from Thai nationals. Police believe the group intended to use Thailand as a transit point before moving to a third country.

Charges and Next Steps

Officers seized multiple mobile phones — including eight found in one suspect’s luggage — and are examining them for evidence.

Police charged 11 Chinese nationals and the Taiwanese suspect with illegal entry, while another person faces an overstay charge. After immigration proceedings, authorities plan to transfer the Taiwanese man to immigration officials to coordinate with Taiwan on the outstanding warrants.

________

Hong Kong Fire May Speed Up Moves to End Use of Iconic Bamboo Scaffolding

By

Associated Press

-

28 November 2025, 00:41

APTOPIX Hong Kong Fire — Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

BANGKOK (AP) — While the exact cause of the deadly inferno that swept across a Hong Kong apartment complex remains unknown, questions have been raised about the role of the bamboo scaffolding that enveloped the buildings at the time of the fire.

The blaze, which has left at least 94 dead, has focused attention on the use of the ancient construction technique dating back over 1,000 years.

Bamboo poles lashed together using wire and other strong materials are often found at construction sites in Southeast Asia. Hong Kong is one of the few major cities where such scaffolding is a common sight.

Officials said Wednesday’s fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower in the suburb of Tai Po, spread to the inside of the building and then to six other towers, likely aided by windy conditions.

AP25331369961586 — People walk past the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Officials are investigating why the scaffolding and other construction materials used in renovations to the outsides of the buildings caught fire.

Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that forms tall, hollow stalks packed with strong fibers. The bamboo poles, harvested from 3-year-old bamboo plants, are lightweight, inexpensive and easy to transport. They’re seen as easier to install and remove from the kinds of tight spaces found in a city as densely populated as Hong Kong.

In the case of an accident, such as a collapse, they are seen as less dangerous than heavy metal poles. Bamboo scaffolding is also used for temporary structures, such as outdoor theaters.

The bamboo poles are usually are imported from Zhaoxing, in neighboring Guangdong province, or from the nearby southern provinces of Guangxi or Guilin.

But even Hong Kong is moving toward phasing out use of bamboo.

AP25331374159601 — Fire sparks coming off from the burned building at the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

A memo from Hong Kong’s secretary for development in March noted that the city planned to “drive a wider adoption of metal scaffolding in public building works progressively.”

According to Construction Industry Council, there are about 2,500 registered bamboo scaffolders in Hong Kong. Bamboo scaffolding-related accidents have claimed 23 lives since 2018.

City leader John Lee said Thursday that officials will meet with industry representatives to discuss a switch to metal scaffolding.

Eric Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration, acknowledged that traditional bamboo scaffolding is inferior to metal for fire safety. “For safety reasons, the government believes that a complete switch to metal scaffolding should be implemented in suitable working environments,” he said.

Ehsan Noroozinejad, a professor at Western Sydney University’s Urban Transformations Research Centre, said steel or aluminum scaffolding is non-combustible, stronger and lasts longer, though it is heavier, slower to set up and costs more.

“For high-risk, occupied towers, metal is the safer baseline,” Noroozinejad said. “If bamboo is used, it must come with strict fire and inspection controls.”

In the case of the blaze at the high-rise residential complex in Tai Po district on Wednesday, officials have pointed to flammable construction materials such as plastic netting and Styrofoam panels used as window coverings as other potential factors in the rapid spread of the fire.

AP25331187241729 — A firefighter works to extinguish a fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Police said they arrested three men — the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company — on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities said they suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, allowing the unusually fast spread of the fire.

It’s clear that a large share, but not all, of the bamboo that had encased the buildings as they underwent renovations was incinerated.

“This incident is full of lessons,” Devansh Gulati, founder of the fire safety firm Greenberg Engineering, told The Associated Press. He said “just by chance, the wrong conditions combined” in Hong Kong allowing the bamboo scaffolding to become fuel for the fire.

Whatever the outcome of the investigation into what caused the fire, it appears the days of using bamboo in Hong Kong may be numbered.

___

Flood Death Toll Surpasses 100 in Southern Thailand

By

Khaosod English

-

27 November 2025, 23:38

hat-yai-27-11-2025-4 — A rescue team works to retrieve a body from the deep floodwaters in Hat Yai's city center, Songkhla, on Nov. 27, 2025, as the official death toll from the disaster climbs above 100.

8Flood Death Toll Expected to Top 100 in Southern Thailand

HAT YAI — The death toll from devastating floods in southern Thailand has exceeded 100, with the disaster submerging the major commercial hub of Hat Yai as political pressure intensifies on the government to apologize for its alleged failures in disaster response.

As floodwaters receded across Hat Yai district and surrounding areas of Songkhla province, Police Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiewphan, Deputy Inspector General of the Royal Thai Police, revealed that a total of 104 deceased victims had been sent for identification as of 8:30 p.m. local time on November 27. The bodies originated from various hospitals and disaster zones in Songkhla and nearby areas.

The total figure of 104 victims supersedes the previous official count of 85. The Deputy Inspector General noted that a key priority is the distinction between bodies sent from hospitals and the 47 bodies recovered directly from the disaster zones by rescue workers. This latter group requires detailed forensic investigation to confirm whether the cause of death was pre-existing illness or directly caused by the floods.

hat yai 27 11 2025 1 — Floodwaters remain high in parts of Hat Yai, Songkhla province, Thailand, submerging vehicles on Nov. 27, 2025, even as water levels begin to recede across the commercial hub.

Apocalyptic Scenes and Body Recovery Crisis

The severity of the disaster was highlighted by local officials and rescue teams on social media.

Songkhla Member of Parliament Saksit Khawthong of the opposition Democrat Party posted on Facebook, describing the scenes he witnessed over three days as “like ‘the end of the world.'” He reported widespread chaos, including “people fighting for food along the streets, evacuation centers… unmanaged, bodies floating in and being placed on the roadside, [and] screams of anguish echoing throughout the night.”

Rescue teams reported immense difficulty in managing the deceased. The San Kamphaeng Rescue Association from Chiang Mai stated they discovered a “large number of ‘black cases’ [dead bodies] on site — some stuffed in refrigerators, some floating inside houses, some tied to house pillars.” The association reported a critical shortage of body storage bags.

AP25331292122497 — A woman rides a motorcycle past damaged vehicles following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Sarot Meksophawannakul)

Desperate pleas for help also flooded social media. Facebook user Pook Sukonta Berthebaud posted a distress call for a friend in the Chok Saman neighborhood: “Five bodies have already floated past right in front of them. I don’t want my friend to become the sixth. My friend hasn’t eaten for six days. If there’s no food, then just come collect the body—if it comes to that. Seeing this breaks my heart.”

Official Count and Government Pressure

The official death toll for Songkhla province stands at 85 as of Thursday, according to Siripong Angkaskulkiat, a spokesperson for the Forward Flood Emergency Operations Center in Bangkok, citing data from Songklanagarind Hospital. That figure includes 55 confirmed flood-related deaths and 30 attributed to other causes.

Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General Kittirat Phanphet has ordered the establishment of a Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) center in Hat Yai to handle the forensic identification of deceased victims, as centralized procedures for body collection and storage are implemented.

The crisis has intensified political fallout, with the opposition demanding a sincere apology from the government.

praradorn — Minister Pharadorn Prisnananthakul exits a press conference at Government House after refusing to answer questions about acknowledging government errors in the Hat Yai flood response on Nov. 27, 2025.

Pharadorn Prisnananthakul, the Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office and Director of the Forward Flood Emergency Operations Center, appeared visibly tense at a press conference and refused to answer questions regarding whether the government would acknowledge errors in assessing the situation. He offered only thanks before immediately leaving the briefing.

Opposition deputy secretary-general Linthipon Warinwatchararoj of the Pheu Thai Party swiftly condemned Pharadorn’s earlier statement that “don’t blame anyone — the people, government, and operational units are learning lessons together.”

Linthipon demanded that the government must first “clearly acknowledge mistakes in disaster management that caused widespread suffering and loss of life, issue a sincere apology, and only then extract lessons from the failures and deficient management.”

Relief Measures and Aid

The government has approved 2 million baht (approximately $62,000 USD) in funeral expenses for each flood-related death, with initial relief funds scheduled for transfer on November 28.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society announced that support from SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, secured despite criticism over delays, is expected to arrive in Thailand by Friday, November 28, to aid ongoing relief operations.

______________

Political Prisoners Released in Myanmar Mass Amnesty

By

Associated Press

-

27 November 2025, 17:50

APTOPIX Myanmar Amnesty — A boy, released from Insein prison, is welcomed by a family member in Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, after Myanmar's military rulers granted a mass amnesty ahead of elections. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

BANGKOK (AP) — Excited families greeted relatives released from Myanmar’s Insein Prison on Thursday as part of a mass amnesty granted by the country’s military rulers ahead of next month’s election.

At least eight buses carrying prisoners were welcomed outside the gate of the Yangon prison at 11:30 a.m. by relatives and friends who had been waiting since early morning.

The military administration granted amnesty to more than 3,000 people locked up for opposing army rule and dropped charges against more than 5,500 others, state-run broadcaster MRTV reported Wednesday. The amnesty was intended to ensure eligible voters could participate in the Dec. 28 elections, it said.

An official from Insein Prison, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to release information, confirmed prisoners would be released starting Thursday but did not say how many or who they were. In past amnesties, releases have taken several days.

AP25331233817983 — Released prisoners on bus are welcomed by family members and colleagues outside the main gate of Insein prison, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar, after Myanmar’s military rulers granted a mass amnesty ahead of elections. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

There was no sign that the prisoner release would include former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who led the National League for Democracy government ousted in the military takeover in 2021 and who has been held virtually incommunicado since then.

Among those freed were Kyi Toe, a member of NLD’s central information committee, and freelance journalist Zaw Lin Htut, also known as Phoe Thar. Both were arrested in 2021.

“I am determined to work with Aunty until I am 90 years old,” Kyi Toe told journalists as he arrived outside the prison gate. Aunty is a common expression of respect for Suu Kyi among senior NLD members.

He added that other senior NLD members still remain in prison.

AP25331234366145 — Kyi Toe, a member of National League for Democracy’s central information committee, speaks after he was released from Insein prison Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Yangon, Myanmar, as part of a mass amnesty granted by the country’s military rules. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Critics have asserted Myanmar’s election will be neither free nor fair because there is no free media and most of the leaders of the dissolved NLD have been arrested.

MRTV said the National Defense and Security council, a constitutional administrative government body controlled by the military, granted amnesties covering 3,085 prisoners convicted under the part of the penal code known as the incitement law, which makes it a crime to spread comments that create public unrest or fear, or spread false news. It has been widely used to arrest critics of the government or military and is punishable by up to three years in prison.

AP25331234564334 — A man, center, released from Insein prison, is welcomed by family members in Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, after Myanmar’s military rulers granted a mass amnesty ahead of elections. (AP Photo/Thein Zaw)

Conditional release was granted to 724 prisoners, who would have to serve the rest of their old sentence if they commit a new offense, and 5,580 people who are either being prosecuted or are in hiding, will receive amnesty and have their incitement cases closed.

Some 22,708 political detainees, including Suu Kyi, were in detention as of Wednesday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests.

The 80-year-old Suu Kyi is serving a 27-year sentence after being convicted in what supporters have called politically tinged prosecutions.

The army takeover in 2021 was met with massive nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle.

______

Siam Paragon Unveils a Global First Launch of the Co-creating “NEXTOPIA, Prototype for The World of Tomorrow”

By

Mc Marketing

-

27 November 2025, 17:14

A large-scale co-creation movement brings together global ecosystem partners, including 50 innovation partners, key industry leaders, and more than 30 communities and Friends of NEXTOPIA, working together to co-create communities for a better world.
NEXTOPIA: Prototype for The World of Tomorrow, serves as a collaborative platform that unites all sectors to present innovations for sustainable development. It welcomes everyone to take part in building a better world — Join us in the Making of a Better World — enriching every visit with purpose and encouraging quality and sustainable living.
Reinforcing Siam Piwat’s leadership in pioneering global destinations, Siam Paragon remains committed to presenting revolutionary concepts as a game changer that demonstrates the capabilities and creativity of Thai people are strong on global stage.

Bangkok (27 November 2025) – Siam Paragon, one of the world’s most visited global landmarks, continues to hold a Top of Mind position as a premier destination that consistently delivers experiences beyond expectations. Over the past two decades, Siam Paragon has continuously pioneered new retail prototypes and shaped outstanding success stories.

Its latest achievement is the launch of NEXTOPIA: The Prototype for World of Tomorrow, an unprecedented new world created through the combined capabilities of Siam Paragon and global partners, including innovation organizations, business alliances, communities, and Friends of NEXTOPIA.

Open to everyone to Join us in the Making of a Better World, NEXTOPIA aims to enrich quality living and meaningful happiness in every dimension.

This marks another milestone of success for Siam Piwat, the owner of the Global Destination development concept that delivers experiences beyond expectations and serves as a Game Changer which clearly demonstrates that the capabilities and creativity of Thai people are strong on global stage.

NEXTOPIA: Prototype for The World of Tomorrow

NEXTOPIA, new World-Class Attraction by Siam Paragon, is conceived under a Revolutionary Concept as a major co-creation platform to Co-creating Communities for a Better World. Spanning more than 15,000 square meters on Floors 5 and 5A, the project represents an investment of over THB 850 million.

This is a prototype city of the future that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and environmental advocates to showcase comprehensive sustainable innovations. The space invites everyone to take part in building a better urban community under the concept Join us in the Making of a Better World.

Every experience at NEXTOPIA is designed to elevate everyday living with creativity, from environmentally friendly architecture, year-round sustainability-driven activities, and sustainable retail, to dining concepts that place sustainability at their core. NEXTOPIA represents a true integration of sustainability into daily life.

The NEXTOPIA Model is a prototype platform for large-scale collaboration to build a better world. It applies the Co-creation concept with visionary partners and drives practical participation through Experimental Engagement that is enjoyable and creates positive impact leading toward sustainability. The model consists of three core components:

Cutting-edge Infrastructure: A vital foundation formed by the Co-creation of 50 visionary organizations across diverse industries, integrating knowledge to collaboratively build a complete model city for the world of tomorrow.
Communities: Positive Forces for a Better World. A convergence of active environmental and sustainability advocates powered by more than 30 communities, together with Friends of NEXTOPIA, united to drive long-term impact.
Retailers: Defining New Global Standards. Retailers and service providers delivering value-led offerings rooted in Sustainability, Equality, and Inclusivity, comprising more than 40 brands and over 300 SMEs that play a vital role in this ecosystem.

NEXTOPIA represents a significant step in advancing Sustainability into concrete practice. Siam Piwat has consistently operated under the principles of sustainable development, integrating these principles across all dimensions of the organization — from internal management and customer-related activities to projects that continually benefit Thai society.

In July 2025, Siam Paragon signed a power purchase agreement with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority under the Utility Green Tariff (UGT1) program, a green electricity service accompanied by a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC).

As a result, this makes Siam Paragon as Thailand’s first retail group to source over 30% of its electricity from certified renewable energy of Siam Piwat Group.

Recently, NEXTOPIA achieved a new milestone by receiving the Fitwel Certification (2-Star level). It is officially the first Multi-Tenant Retail Building project in Thailand to earn Fitwel 2-Star Certification, reflecting a commitment to health, well-being, and creating a sustainable environment for all visitors.

NEXTOPIA drives a major Co-Creation movement, uniting leading global organizations to build a prototype city of the future.

NEXTOPIA represents a significant global collaboration, uniting leading organizations to Co-creating Communities for a Better World, with visionary partners collectively advancing sustainability across multiple dimensions. Siam Paragon and NEXTOPIA are working together with the United Nations (UN) and international organizations, including UN Global Compact Network Thailand, UN World Food Programme, UNDP BIOFIN, UNICEF, and WWF, reflecting a global collaboration taking place in Thailand with participation from countries around the world.

NEXTOPIA has been co-founded with the support of more than 50 leading organizations across diverse industries, all sharing a united mission to build a better world. These include principal partners such as B.Grimm, SCG Decor Public Company Limited (COTTO), Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, KASIKORNBANK Public Company Limited, and The Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG).

The initiative further brings together a wide range of mission-driven partners committed to creating a better world, spanning multiple industries, including Atelier Ten, Bangkok Cable Co., Ltd. (BCC), NS BlueScope (Thailand), CASA TECH CO., LTD, Coway (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd., Dynasty Ceramic Public Company Limited, ENDO Lighting Corporation, EEC Engineering Network, JOURNAL CORP CO., LTD., VITTEK, Plan B Media Public Company Limited, Saint-Gobain (Thailand), SC Asset Corporation Public Company Limited, The Shell Company of Thailand Limited, Thai Obayashi, TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited, TPI Polene (Public) Co., Ltd., Urban Architect, Vanachai Group Public Company Limited, Welcraft Products Co., Ltd., and WP Energy Public Company Limited.

In addition, NEXTOPIA collaborates with King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Singh Intrachooto, Chief Sustainability Advisor, who co-creates and oversees the development of this prototype for the world of tomorrow together with the NEXTOPIA Team, a young generation of executives from Siam Piwat.

NEXTOPIA: A prototype space of sustainable innovations and future infrastructure.

NEXTOPIA brings together cutting-edge innovations for sustainable development and applies them across every dimension, from meticulously designed infrastructure to showcased technologies that maximize resource efficiency and generate usable renewable energy. This marks the first time in the global retail industry that a destination unites breakthrough innovation, creative collaboration, and sustainability in a fully integrated ecosystem that sets a new benchmark for the global retail industry.

Sustainable Innovation & Clean Energy

The Kinetic Floor

A kinetic energy floor that converts every step into clean electricity. Built on the idea that everyone can play a role in generating renewable energy, the system not only produces power but also visualizes energy creation in real time. Developed through a collaboration between Bangkok Cable and King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, it showcases technology and creative design as a practical model for sustainable cities of the future.

The Clean Energy

NEXTOPIA partners with B.Grimm to install one of Thailand’s largest solar rooftop systems, converting sunlight into clean energy that can be used directly within the project. This initiative advances accessible green power and enhances a key innovation in clean-energy management for next-generation retail environments.

Innovations for Clean Air & Climate Comfort Solutions

Floor Radiant Cooling
Experience natural cooling through a radiant floor system that eliminates the need for forced-air ventilation. By avoiding air blowers, it reduces the circulation of dust, allergens, and airborne pathogens, ensuring cleaner and safer air. The system is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, developed by Casa Tech.
The Cooling Waterfall
A 16-meter waterfall flowing across three levels creates a massive natural cooling effect. Acting like a giant air conditioner inspired by nature, it nhances humidity and conserve energy to create a comfortable environment.
DAS & DOAS

Advanced air-conditioning technology by Daikin, combining the Displacement Air System (DAS) with the Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) to mirror cleanroom mechanisms. The system continuously separates and removes stale air, contaminants, and airborne pathogens, delivering purified, fresh, and comfortably cool air throughout the space.

Healthy Building Materials and Paints

NEXTOPIA uses TOA specialty paints that are free from mercury and lead and emit ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring exceptional indoor hygiene and compliance with global green-building standards. Additionally, TPI Polene, Vanachai Group, and Saint-Gobain supply building materials specifically engineered to reduce hazardous chemical emissions and minimize environmental impact across the project.

Recycle Building Material

BlueScope metal sheets are used as sustainable building materials that offer high recyclability and long-lasting structural durability. By applying recyclable, robust materials, NEXTOPIA reduces resource consumption in a measurable and meaningful way.

Beyond delivering purified air with precise temperature and quality control 365 days a year, NEXTOPIA is enriched with meaningful art, architecture, and interior design.

Key highlights include The Tree of Life, a grand entrance that welcomes visitors into the prototype city of tomorrow; The Spiral, a sculptural staircase linking Floors 4, 5, and 5A, designed with a nature-inspired concept that artistically reconnects humans with the natural world, enhanced by art pieces made from upcycled materials; and The Forest Canopy and The Ocean Canopy, avant-garde interior creations made from recycled materials and ocean waste, transformed into captivating works of art.

The atmosphere is further elevated with a bespoke fragrance exclusively crafted for NEXTOPIA by JOURNAL, enhancing the sensory experience throughout the space.

The Globe at NEXTOPIA: World Sustainable Reflection and Global Trend

Discover a new way of seeing the planet through The Globe: World Sustainable Reflection and Global Phenomena, a striking installation floating at the heart of NEXTOPIA. Created in collaboration with Plan B Media, this immersive centerpiece presents a new perspective of our world through real-time sustainable storytelling. Highlight Innovations Include:

Real-Time Planetary Data: Displays live global climate conditions and natural phenomena, powered by insights and scientific data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Eco Impact Dashboard: A dashboard visualizing environmental impact in 4 dimensions: energy use, water use, waste management, and electricity produced from every step on The Kinetic Floor, represented as a power index displayed on The Globe.

Experimental Engagement: Playful Participation That Drives Real Impact

Every step in NEXTOPIA encourages you to live sustainably in simple, enjoyable ways. Interactive attractions are thoughtfully integrated throughout the city, inviting visitors of all ages to take part in meaningful, hands-on experiences, such as:

The Vertical Farm: A real vertical farming experience brought to life for the first time within a city-center retail destination. This attraction showcases cutting-edge Thai agricultural technology, allowing visitors to join inspiring workshops and plant their own vegetables and herbs with ease. Participants can take their harvest home or have it used in restaurants within NEXTOPIA. Co-created with Distar.
AR Binoculars: Special augmented-reality binoculars help visitors better understand the innovative features across NEXTOPIA. By pointing the device at different spots, digital explanations appear instantly, making learning intuitive and engaging for both children and adults.
NEXTOPIA Mascots: Meet the citizens of NEXTOPIA which are Nextsi, Tobi, and PYE. Our friendly mascots positioned throughout the space to welcome and interact with visitors, adding fun and connection to the journey.

NEXTOPIA is driven by Communities & Friends of NEXTOPIA, united to build a better world.

In addition, everyone can experience NEXTOPIA anytime, anywhere through NEXTOPIA World on the ONESIAM SuperApp. Users can explore stories and information about each zone, stay updated on upcoming activities, and actively participate in Co-creating Communities for a Better World with NEXTOPIA. The platform also rewards users with exclusive benefits through Green Points, encouraging sustainable engagement in everyday life.

NEXTOPIA is a space designed for meaningful participation, inviting everyone to engage in activities that generate positive impact for society and the planet. Through ECO-workshops, exhibitions, and thought-provoking talks featuring global sustainability leaders, NEXTOPIA fosters inspiration and collective action.

The Community Room, a co-working hub in the heart of Bangkok, welcomes all to work, collaborate, and exchange ideas, serving as a year-round center for community empowerment. It stands as a catalyst for communities dedicated to improving lives and creating a better world — 365 days a year.

Everyone is invited to Join us in the Making of a Better World, raising awareness and driving action on global issues spanning social equity, environmental protection, and humanitarian causes under the concept of Global Awareness. This mission is powered by community organizations, thought leaders, and media allies who share the same values and are committed to transformative change.

Partners include AUTISTIC THAI FOUNDATION, CANNS, CHALUPAS, DOTS COFFEE, FYI MARKET, IWELTY.CLUB, LOCAL ALIKE, LOOPERS, Microsoft, MIRREN, PATOM ORGANIC LIVING, PEACHES ACTIVE, PRECIOUS PLASTIC, SOAP OPERA, SOI DOG FOUNDATION, SOUL GLOW WITH MAI, SOUL 4 STREET, THAILAND GASTRONOMY NETWORK, THE PAWSE CLUB, TOCA, UNITY.BANGKOK, USEMEREPEAT, VTOPIA, WAMP.CO, WORLD FOOD PROGRAM, WWF, YAMAHA, YPS PILATES, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carbon Institute for Sustainability, Thailand Environment Institute Foundation, Social Enterprise Thailand Association, The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek, CNN, ENVIRONMAN and many more who will join in creating meaningful initiatives For the Greater Good together.

In addition, Friends of NEXTOPIA: inspiring individuals from diverse fields and influential voices will take part in sharing knowledge, perspectives, and creative experiences. This group includes Khemupsorn Sirisukha (Little Big Green), Pattaradanai Setasuwan (Koen), Amata Chittasenee (Pearypie), Charee Boonyavinij (Uncle Ree), Jinn Sattapornsattitsuk (GROM), Pimlada Chaiyapreechawet (PEAR is hungry), Sai Scott, Intiporn Taemsukhin (Maxdicine), Warut Chanthayanont, Jiraroach Pochanavaraphan,

Dr. Saran Naraprasertkul, and many others who will collaborate to deliver inspiring talks, meaningful storytelling, and creative workshops aimed at building a better world.

NEXTOPIA Creates a Platform for Entrepreneurs with a Sustainability Mindset

Within NEXTOPIA, entrepreneurs come together to build businesses that generate positive impact for communities, society, and the country. They operate responsibly, offering products and services under the concept of Co-creating Communities for a Better World, designed for a new generation of conscious consumers who value smart choices, sustainability, and creativity that benefits both people and the planet.

Beyond commerce, NEXTOPIA also serves as a platform of opportunity, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to create meaningful change. Guided by the values of Sustainability + Equality + Inclusivity, this space recognizes the potential of every person to contribute — whether by showcasing purposeful products or participating in community-driven initiatives. NEXTOPIA becomes a Life Transformation experience, where every visit delivers a sense of pride through meaningful involvement in protecting the planet and creating value for others — an experience that money simply cannot buy.

A Creative Powerhouse of Green Entrepreneurs, from Thailand to the World

Led by ECOTOPIA, a community that believes “Together, we can co-create the world better.” This space curates sustainable products and innovations from environmentally conscious entrepreneurs — from local SMEs to global brands — across 8 key categories: Upcycled, Zero-Waste, Hygienic, Beautiful, Stylish, Kids, Green, and Wellness. ECOTOPIA is a platform that empowers everyone to drive real change, helping people discover simple, everyday ways to live more sustainably. Every product embodies purpose, creativity, and the commitment of its creators. Every purchase and every act of participation becomes a meaningful contribution, benefiting you, your community, and the planet.

ECOTOPIA has been recognized among Asia’s 20 Coolest Retailers, selected by Inside Retail, a leading retail business media in Asia that highlights brands celebrated for their uniqueness, creativity, and power to inspire across the Asian region.

In addition, NEXTOPIA brings together leading sustainable brands from across industries including Doi Tung from Mae Fah Luang Foundation, Chan, MIIR, Sedar.W, Shima Park (first in Thailand), Somuti, Sudtana, and many more who are joining this future-forward movement.

NEXTOPIA also welcomes pets, opening a new world for you and your animal companions. Club Pawrents by Arak offers curated products specially designed for pets, along with professional veterinary services by Arak Animal Hospital, led by expert veterinarians providing comprehensive care. The full-service clinic will officially open on December 12, 2025. In addition, animal lovers can explore Pawtopia, a joyful haven filled with quality brands and adorable products, offering an exciting shopping experience for every pet parent.

A New Standard of Sustainable Dining & Café Experiences

NEXTOPIA curates restaurants and cafés built on the principles of Sustainability, where every brand operates responsibly — reducing waste, minimizing food loss, and managing food waste properly with a commitment toward Zero Waste to Landfill. The spaces are powered by clean energy from WP Energy, while menus highlight fresh, healthy ingredients sourced from local farmers, celebrating flavors that are both delicious and responsible. Every dish is crafted with taste and purpose, allowing guests to enjoy memorable dining while contributing to a better world. Discover world-renowned and Thai favorites including L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele and Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, each opening their first location in Thailand at NEXTOPIA Siam Paragon. Other highlights include %Arabica, A Keen House, City Fresh, Crafter by Hobs, Dean & Deluca, Distar Fresh, Fallabella, Fatbro, FIKKA, Gelateria Kitokki, GROW by getfresh, Gong Cha, Henry Fry, Hopsy. Story, Kyo Roll En, Nicolo, Piche, Shabu Baru, Shersanctuary Teabar, Small Table, Ta Lay Jai, Kai Yang Suea Yai, Tiew Copper Craft, Sapparos, and more. NEXTOPIA also welcomes socially impactful concepts such as Dots Coffee, a café employing visually-impaired baristas, and SC All-Day Morning Café, a breakfast-inspired experience served all day long.

At the heart of NEXTOPIA stands The Spiral, a striking staircase leading to the 4th floor where EATELIER, a new era of Dining Entertainment, unfolds. This innovative destination blends culinary art with music, fashion, and culture, revolutionizing the way people dine and unwind. Designed as Bangkok’s first “Eat–Drink–Chill Hub,” it introduces an immersive experience never before seen in the city. Rooted in the concept of “Curation & Co-Creation,” EATELIER brings together Michelin-starred chefs, artists, performers, and entertainment icons from Thailand and around the world to co-create exclusive culinary journeys. The experience is elevated further with Live Bands & DJs, energizing the space with vibrant, day-to-night atmosphere filled with flavor, creativity, and excitement.

The launch of NEXTOPIA marks a pivotal milestone as Siam Paragon enters a new decade, completing the most significant renovation in its 20-year history. This transformation introduces world-class attraction that elevate the global retail destination to the next era. Among the highlights is MELAND, one of the world’s most advanced indoor theme parks and the first global flagship outside China, opening on Level 5. Additionally, EATELIER, a groundbreaking Dining Entertainment destination on Level 4, emerges as the newest hangout hub in the heart of Siam.

NEXTOPIA, Prototype for The World of Tomorrow, stands as a global destination that creates meaningful value for every visit, for individuals, communities, and the planet. It is set to become a powerful magnet that draws people from every corner of the world. Siam Paragon continues its unwavering commitment to delivering experiences beyond expectations, consistently introducing groundbreaking phenomena that redefine the industry. This reinforces its position as a Revolutionary Retail Development, a true game-changer in global retail real estate, and secures its place as the number-one global destination in the hearts of Thai consumers and international travelers alike.

Thailand Launches Flood Recovery Plan as Damage Tops $4.3 Billion

By

Khaosod English

-

27 November 2025, 15:48

hat yai rescue2 — Cars and houses are submerged in floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s government announced a comprehensive three-phase recovery plan Thursday as catastrophic flooding across the country’s southern provinces has caused at least $4.3 billion in damages across nine provinces, with the economic hub of Hat Yai accounting for $372 million in losses.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul outlined the recovery strategy during a coordination meeting with relevant cabinet ministers on November 27, establishing an emergency operations center at Government House to manage relief efforts and maintain direct communication with response teams in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province.

AP25331292168264 — Thai residents rest at an evacuation center following floods in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool)

Economic Impact Assessment

Associate Professor Aat Pisanwanich, an international economics and ASEAN expert, assessed the preliminary economic impact based on the affected region’s economic output. The nine severely affected provinces — Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Surat Thani — have a combined economy of approximately 1.4 trillion baht ($43.5 billion), representing 70% of the southern region’s economy and 8% of Thailand’s total GDP in 2023.

The floods impacted nearly 3 million people, or 32% of the southern region’s 9.5 million population. One million households were affected, accounting for 33% of the region’s 3 million households. The death toll is estimated to exceed 100, though officials have not released confirmed figures.

The floods have caused greater damage to lives and property than the devastating 2017 floods that struck the region. Economic losses are estimated at a minimum of 140 billion baht ($4.3 billion) across the nine provinces, with Hat Yai alone suffering 12,000 million baht ($372 million) in damages.

anutin recover2 — PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul briefs the press on flood relief measures following a meeting at the Ministry of Finance, Bangkok on Nov 27, 2025.

Three-Phase Recovery Strategy

The government’s plan addresses immediate, medium-term and long-term needs:

Short-term relief focuses on ensuring universal access to food, drinking water, medicine and temporary shelter for displaced residents.

Medium-term measures aim to restore income and reduce financial burdens through zero-percent interest loan payment deferrals and commercial support programs. The government will subsidize below-cost goods for affected residents, supplementing private sector donations.

Long-term reconstruction emphasizes returning communities to normalcy. Anutin said most business owners likely carry insurance on their properties and urged accelerated coordination with insurance companies to expedite claim payments. The government will also provide zero-interest loans for repairing homes, shops and other damaged structures, pending rapid damage assessments conducted in cooperation with the Interior Ministry.

hat yai rescue1 — Military personnel evacuate a stranded patient from home in Hat Yai as floodwaters begin to recede, Nov. 27, 2025.

Hat Yai Economic Losses Mount

Thongpol Jangsiriwatthamrong, president of the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, provided initial damage assessments across two categories:

Commercial activity in Hat Yai has been completely paralyzed for five to six consecutive days, with business closure losses alone estimated at 500-600 million baht ($15-19 million). Physical damage to buildings, homes and vehicles is expected to cost at least 10 billion baht ($310 million) to repair.

“From conversations with fellow chamber members, everyone has suffered greatly. No one was prepared for this,” Thongpol said. “People living on higher ground who had never been flooded before were affected this year. This crisis arrived with an intensity beyond anyone’s expectations.”

Provincial Damage Reports

Satun: Flooding swept through all seven districts with total damages expected to exceed 1 billion baht ($31 million), according to Chamber of Commerce President Kritsada Uengsakul. Water levels rose above one meter in commercial zones in Mueang Satun and La-ngu districts.

Shops and hotels suffered severe damage, and tourists from Europe, Malaysia and Thailand required evacuation. Despite provincial authorities mobilizing all available resources, Kritsada said assistance remained insufficient, forcing local communities to support each other. Residents described it as the worst flooding in 50 years.

satun flood1 — Floodwaters continue to inundate the main roads leading to Satun’s city center, despite a decrease in rainfall across the province on Nov. 27, 2025.

Phatthalung: The 2025 floods proved worse than 2024’s disaster, affecting all 11 districts with initial losses exceeding 100 million baht ($3.1 million), particularly across 1.5 million rai of farmland, said Chamber of Commerce President Kittiphich Khlapkhun. Rubber and palm oil plantations face major risks from stagnant water, threatening crop failures and immediate income loss for farmers.

Urban areas in Kuha Sawan, Mueang Phatthalung district suffered limited damage, with officials crediting the Lam Bed Canal, dredged by the Royal Irrigation Department, for quickly diverting water into Thale Luang Lake.

phattalung flood — Residents of Ban Pak Phol, Na Pakho sub-district, Bang Kaeo district, Phatthalung Province, who live along Songkhla Lake, faced rising water levels and high tide flooding inside their homes on November 27, 2025.

Yala: Mayor Pongsak Yingchoncharoen reported flooding has “expanded widely” due to runoff from the Bue Yaw mountain range and backflow pressure from the Sai Buri River. Water volumes in 2025 exceed 2024 levels.

An unusual pattern emerged this year, with floods beginning in coastal districts and moving inland rather than starting upstream, complicating drainage efforts. “No one has ever seen runoff from Mount Bue Yaw divided into six streams like this,” Pongsak said.

yala flood — Flooding in Yala Province reached chest level on November 25, following continuous heavy to very heavy rain since Nov. 19, 2025.

Foreign Tourists Affected

Dr. Sitthipong Sitthipatprapah, president of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association, estimated total damages exceeding $310 million. About 1,000 Malaysian and Singaporean tourists remain stranded in hotels outside the city, while approximately 6,000 have been evacuated. The Singaporean Embassy contacted him directly for assistance, while Malaysia’s Consulate dispatched a defense attaché from Bangkok.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said November 26 that approximately 4,200 Malaysian tourists have been affected. The ministry has coordinated with Thai and Malaysian agencies to assist evacuations while providing aid to affected Thai citizens.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports established a 24/7 assistance center at Hat Yai City Municipality to coordinate foreign tourist support.

flood tourist1 — Authorities assist tourists onto high-clearance trucks after rising waters cut off access to hotels in Hat Yai on November 23, 2025.

Tourism Sector Faces $155 Million Loss

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said TAT is closely monitoring the situation and providing daily updates to tour operators in Malaysia and Indonesia about accessible sites and available assistance. Once conditions stabilize, TAT plans confidence-building measures and tourism promotion campaigns in affected provinces.

A Tourism Council of Thailand source said flooding is expected to disrupt tourism for at least one month as sites and businesses undergo extensive restoration. Songkhla ranks eighth nationwide in tourism revenue, generating approximately 50 billion baht ($1.5 billion) annually, or roughly 4 billion baht ($124 million) monthly.

With November marking Thailand’s high season, floods are expected to cause no less than 5 billion baht ($155 million) in lost tourism revenue for Songkhla province alone.

Hat Yai serves as a primary destination for Malaysian, Indonesian and Singaporean visitors, making it particularly vulnerable to the flooding’s economic impact.

_______

3 Arrested in Hong Kong, as a High-Rise Fire Leaves at Least 75 Dead

By

Associated Press

-

27 November 2025, 05:28

HONG KONG (AP) — Firefighters battled a blaze at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong for the second day on Thursday, as the death toll rose to 75 in one of the deadliest blazes in the city’s modern history.

Rescuers holding flashlights were going from apartment to apartment at the charred towers as thick smoke continued to pour out from some windows at the Wang Fuk Court complex, a dense cluster of buildings housing thousands of people in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near Hong Kong’s border with the mainland.

It was unclear how many people remained missing or trapped. Hong Kong leader John Lee said contact had been lost with 279 people early Thursday. Authorities did not provide updates on the missing people or how many were still inside the ravaged buildings Thursday during a press conference.

Latest video showed rescuers searching in some apartments in the dark. Orange flames were still seen from inside several windows, though the whole complex was now largely a blackened ruin.

AP25330341681183 — First responders work the scene of a fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories on Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Officials said the fire started on the external scaffolding of one of the buildings, a 32-storey tower, and later spread to inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses.

John Lee, the city’s chief executive, said the government will prioritize the disaster but halt public efforts for the Dec. 7 elections for the Legislative Council. He didn’t say if the elections could be delayed but said decisions would come “a few days later.”

The fire at three of the buildings was “coming under control” shortly past midnight, according to the Fire Services Department.

The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. It was built in the 1980s and had recently been undergoing a major renovation.

Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations. A column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters.

AP25330360085861 — Smoke rises after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories on Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

Authorities said that hundreds of firefighters, police officers and paramedics were deployed. Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks.

The blaze, which started mid-afternoon, was upgraded a level 5 alarm — the highest level of severity — as night fell. Authorities said that conditions remained very challenging for firefighters.

“Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down,” said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations. “The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It’s difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.”

The fire department said that it received “numerous” calls requesting assistance. It said some residents remained trapped as of Wednesday night.

Firefighters deployed about 200 fire trucks and more than 100 ambulances to the scene, according to RTHK, the local public broadcasting service.

A 37-year-old firefighter was among the dead, while another firefighter received treatment for heat exhaustion, said Yeung, the director of fire services.

AP25330405794555 — Firefighters try to extinguish a flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)

District officials in Tai Po have opened temporary shelters for people left homeless by the fire.

“I’ve given up thinking about my property,” a resident who only provided her surname, Wu, told local TV station TVB. “Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.”

Tai Po is a suburban area in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong and near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen.

Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier this year that it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns.

The fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in years. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a level 5 fire that lasted for around 20 hours.

___

Elderly Killed After Motorcycle Hits Her on Bangkok Crosswalk

By

Khaosod English

-

27 November 2025, 02:09

elderly cross1 — Rescue workers perform CPR on 80-year-old Amnuay Plukjitsom at the accident scene on Prachautit Road after she was struck by a motorcycle while crossing a zebra crossing on November 26, 2025.

BANGKOK — An 80-year-old woman died after she was struck by a motorcycle ridden by a Pakistani man while using a crosswalk in Bangkok on Wednesday night, police said.

The collision occurred around 8 p.m. on Prachautit Road near the entrance of Soi Prachautit 4 in the Rat Burana district. Officers and rescue workers arrived to find the woman, identified as Amnuay Plukjitsom, a retired teacher from Chetuphon Commercial College, lying on her back with severe head injuries. She was taken to Suksawat Hospital, where she later died.

Police said they found a damaged black-and-red Zongshen Riva motorcycle at the scene. The rider, identified as Vichan, 21, a Pakistani national, told officers he was heading to a market and was unable to brake in time. He claimed he was not speeding and had only clipped the victim’s arm.

elderly cross3 — Rescue volunteers perform CPR on the critically injured woman before she was rushed to Suksawat Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries on November 26, 2025.

Witnesses disputed his account. One resident said the motorcycle was moving at high speed and struck the woman with enough force to throw her more than 20 meters, adding that the rider made no attempt to slow down. Another witness told police the man appeared to try to walk away while talking on the phone and removing his keys before locals stopped him.

Police detained the rider for questioning at Rat Burana Station and said they are reviewing CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

______

What to Know About the Remains of 2 Hostages Still in Gaza: 1 Israeli, 1 Thai

By

Associated Press

-

27 November 2025, 00:48

Israel Palestinians Gaza — Red Cross convoy carrying the remains of a person believed to be a deceased hostage handed over by Gaza militants makes its way toward the border crossing with Israel, to be transferred to Israeli authorities, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel handed over the bodies of 15 Palestinians on Wednesday, a day after Hamas returned the remains of an Israeli hostage. This is the latest exchange as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire reached last month, whose first phase is coming to an end.

The remains of two hostages, one Israeli and a Thai national who were abducted in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel that ignited the war, are still to be returned.

Here’s a look at the hostages whose remains have not been returned.

Ran Gvili, 24

Ran Gvili, who served in an elite police unit, was recovering from a broken shoulder he sustained in a motorcycle accident but rushed to assist fellow officers on Oct. 7. After helping people escape from the Nova music festival, he was killed fighting at another location and his body was taken to Gaza. The military confirmed his death four months later. He is survived by his parents and a sister.

Sudthisak Rinthalak

Sudthisak Rinthalak was an agricultural worker from Thailand who had been employed at Kibbutz Be’eri. According to media reports, Sudthisak was divorced and had been working in Israel since 2017. A total of 31 workers from Thailand were abducted on Oct. 7, the largest group of foreigners to be held in captivity. Most of them were released in the first and second ceasefires. The Thai Foreign Ministry has said in addition to the hostages, 46 Thais have been killed during the war.

AP25329546680184 — Red Cross convoy carrying the remains of a person believed to be a deceased hostage handed over by Gaza militants makes its way toward the border crossing with Israel, to be transferred to Israeli authorities, in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said Wednesday that the militant group was committed to handing over the remains of the two hostages. Israel has accused the militants of stalling after the last living hostages were released on Oct. 13, but Hamas says recovering the bodies has proven difficult due to widespread destruction in the Palestinian territory.

Turkish, Qatari and Egyptian mediators met in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire, reached on Oct. 10.

That is expected to include deploying an armed International Stabilization Force, or ISF, and developing an international body to govern Gaza and oversee reconstruction. The ISF will be tasked with keeping security and ensuring the disarmament of Hamas, a key demand of Israel. Indonesian officials have said they plan to deploy 20,000 peacekeepers to the force.

Major questions hang over nearly every part of the plan and the time frame for implementation of the fragile ceasefire that has held despite accusations of violations by both sides.

Separately, a Palestinian official in the Israeli-occupied West Bank accused Israel on Wednesday of conducting “a wide-scale military operation” in his governorate. Israel says it is conducting a “broad counterterrorism operation,” without providing further details.

AP25330464591199 — Bodies of unidentified Palestinians returned from Israel as part of the ceasefire deal are brought to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Palestinian bodies returned and hostage remains identified

According to the ceasefire, Israel has agreed to return 15 Palestinian bodies for each hostage recovered. So far, 345 Palestinian bodies have been returned, said the Gaza Health Ministry. It is unclear if they were people killed in Israel during the Oct. 7 attack, Palestinian detainees who died in Israeli custody or bodies taken from Gaza by Israeli troops during the war.

The ministry said only 99 bodies have been identified. It says identifying the remains is complicated by a lack of DNA testing kits in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel mourned the latest hostage to be returned by the Palestinian militants, Dror Or. Israel’s military said Or and his wife, Yonat Or, were killed by militants who overran their community of Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7, 2023.

Before they were killed, the couple evacuated two of their children from their burning house through a window, said the Hostages Families Forum. The decision ultimately saved the children, Alma and Noam, who were abducted by the militants and released in a hostage deal in November 2023.

The forum remembered Or as a devoted father and talented cheesemaker who spent years working at the Be’eri dairy, eventually managing it. The group said Or was also a chef and yoga teacher.

In total, Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people across southern Israel and abducted 251 to Gaza in their attack.

______

Families in Southern Thailand Perch on Rooftops to Escape Flooding that Has Killed at Least 33

By

Associated Press

-

26 November 2025, 20:17

Thailand Extreme Weather Flooding — Cars and houses are submerged in floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool)

BANGKOK (AP) — Severe flooding in southern Thailand has caused at least 33 deaths since the weekend, officials said, as dramatic video footage showed people whose homes were virtually engulfed by water awaiting help on rooftops.

About 1 million households and more than 2.7 million people have been impacted by floods in 12 southern provinces triggered by heavy rains, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said Wednesday.

The accumulated rainfall began to decrease Wednesday and authorities were hopeful water levels would start to recede, but the Meteorological Department issued a warning for heavy rains and flash flooding in the country’s southern region through Wednesday.

AP25330324696094 — In this photo provided by the Royal Thai Army, patients are evacuated via helicopter from a flooding area to Hat Yai Hospital in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Royal Thai Army via AP)

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Tuesday declared a state of emergency for Songkhla province, which includes southern Thailand’s biggest city, Hat Yai, citing the “unprecedented severity” of the flooding that has caused widespread damage.

Streets in Hat Yai were impassable and low-rise buildings and cars nearly submerged by rising water, trapping thousands of people. Some residents on higher floors were given food baskets, hoisted up from rescue teams in flat-bottom boats.

Footage from a camera drone broadcast by Thai PBS showed a family of five in Hat Yai being rescued Tuesday from the rooftop of their house, which was nearly submerged. The family, including an older woman, appeared in the video as colorful specks in a landscape of flat, brown water. They had smashed through the large, grey roof and were spotted by emergency workers, who loaded them onto a lifeboat at the edge of the slanted roof.

AP25330123772910 — Cars and houses are submerged in floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool)

The situation at Hat Yai Hospital is especially critical, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said Wednesday, explaining that the facility’s electricity could be cut off because of the high water. About 50 patients requiring intubation were airlifted out by army helicopters to other hospitals and some 600 other patients are likely to be evacuated along with hospital personnel, he said.

The Public Health Ministry said it would deploy a mental health team to assist medical personnel and members of the public dealing with stress.

The Thai navy’s sole aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet, sailed from its berth in eastern Thailand to serve as an offshore command center for relief operations. The air force base at Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport will serve as a staging area for flying relief supplies to affected areas, the government said.

______

Three-Phase Recovery Strategy

Hat Yai Economic Losses Mount

Provincial Damage Reports

Foreign Tourists Affected

Tourism Sector Faces $155 Million Loss

Ran Gvili, 24

Sudthisak Rinthalak

Palestinian bodies returned and hostage remains identified

Hot News

LATEST NEWS