Global Events This Week: 1 - 7 Nov 2026 - Thairath English

This week, U.S. authorities continue investigating a Learjet that plummeted from 35,000 feet, crashing onto a Florida road. The investigation focuses on tail separation and weather conditions causing ice accumulation before the crash.

In the U.S. midterm elections, the Democratic Party secured an unexpected victory, gaining control of both chambers. This outcome is attributed to public dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s administration over the cost-of-living crisis and tensions with Iran.

In Europe, mysterious hackers targeted supermarkets in seven countries, remotely hacking refrigeration systems to raise temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius, spoiling food stocks and forcing disposal.

Cristiano Ronaldo officially announced his retirement from Portugal’s national team at age 41, after a 23-year career. He holds the record for the highest number of international goals scored by a male player.

Myanmar’s military government reaffirmed that the ‘Rohingya’ group does not exist as an ethnic identity. In contrast, international news agencies responded that the group is recognized by foreign governments and international organizations.

In China, Hengdian World Studios—known as the ‘Hollywood of China’—has opened to tourists who can dress in ancient costumes and film their own Chinese drama scenes, reflecting a new trend amid the country’s slow economy.

Japan launched its National Disaster Management Agency, staffed by over 350 personnel, to serve as a central command for preparedness, emergency response, and recovery from major earthquakes and potential Mount Fuji eruptions.

Focus on tail separation and ice accumulation in Learjet crash that plunged onto a road.

A private Learjet carrying nine passengers and crew crashed from 35,000 feet onto a road in Palm Beach County, Florida, causing a large crater and killing everyone onboard instantly. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) dispatched investigators who found the left horizontal stabilizer detached four miles from the crash site. Authorities are analyzing whether the tail separated before the dive or due to high-speed impact. Weather conditions with thunderstorms and ice buildup on the aircraft are also under investigation.

The Democratic Party achieved a major success in the U.S. midterm elections, regaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. They won key Republican strongholds including Texas, Kansas, and South Carolina. This election result is seen as a public referendum opposing President Donald Trump’s policies, especially concerning soaring prices and cost of living, linked to import tariffs and the conflict with Iran.

The European Union condemned a major cyberattack on refrigeration systems of prominent supermarkets across Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, and Finland. Hackers remotely increased fridge and freezer temperatures to 50 degrees Celsius, causing extensive food spoilage and total stock loss. No group has claimed responsibility, but cybersecurity agencies believe the attack aimed to disrupt Europe’s food supply systems.

Ronaldo Announces Retirement, Returns No. 7 Jersey After 23 Years

Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo officially retired from international play via an Instagram video after 23 years. He set records with 234 appearances and 146 goals for the men’s national team. His decision followed a dispute with new coach Jorge Jesus over playing time, which led to a 30-day suspension by the Portuguese Football Federation. Ronaldo described the choice as difficult and said it was time to pass the No. 7 jersey to younger players.

Myanmar’s embassy in Singapore submitted a letter of protest to the executive editor of CNA regarding a documentary about the plight of people in Malaysia. Myanmar categorically rejects the term ‘Rohingya’ and cites British colonial census data from 1881, 1921, and 1931 to claim the group are illegal Bengali immigrants. CNA responded that the use of ‘Rohingya’ aligns with international media standards and is recognized by global bodies such as the UN, ICJ, and the Malaysian government.

Hengdian World Studio in Zhejiang province, dubbed the ‘Hollywood of China,’ has adapted its business model to welcome tourists who can wear traditional Chinese costumes and shoot their own drama scenes under professional direction. Since opening, over 2,000 visitors have participated, with bookings fully booked in advance. This shift reflects Chinese consumer trends moving from purchasing luxury brands toward spending on new entertainment experiences amid a sluggish domestic economy.

National Disaster Management Agency Established to Enhance Preparedness for Earthquakes and Mt. Fuji Eruptions

Japan officially established its National Disaster Management Agency, staffed by over 350 personnel, to serve as the main command center for readiness, emergency response, and recovery operations. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan faces high natural disaster risks but lacked a dedicated national agency until now. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi launched the agency to close gaps and improve safety systems for major Pacific coast earthquakes and potential future eruptions of Mount Fuji.

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/11/05/us/learjet-crash-investigation-thursday

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/takeaways-us-midterm-elections-2026-11-04/

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/nov/02/europe-supermarket-fridges-freezers-who-hacking-why

https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49266866/cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-jorge-jesus-retires-international

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/myanmar-rohingya-refugees-malaysia-6512691

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/chinas-hollywood-visitors-become-stars-consumers-spend-more-experiences-2026-11-02/

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/japan-new-national-agency-disasters-6512726