Thailand has had it relatively easy compared to many other countries in the region. The abnormally cold weather resulted from a mass of cold air pouring in from northern regions, in this case Siberia, a temporary phenomenon known variously as "Polar Vortex" or "Arctic Oscillation", relatively common in North America, but unusual here. Some experts say, however, with global warming disrupting normal weather patterns, such cold snaps might become more frequent in the future.