Malaysia says US trade pact no longer applies after tariff ruling
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Putrajaya says the legal basis for its tariff deal with Washington has collapsed, raising fresh uncertainty for exporters from electronics to palm oil and rubber.
Iran hits Gulf energy sites as Qatar gas hub burns and Saudi fury grows
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Iran struck energy sites in Qatar and Saudi Arabia after Israel hit South Pars, raising fears over LNG, fertiliser and oil supplies across global markets
People’s Party raises three concerns, says Anutin lacks integrity to serve as PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Ahead of the prime ministerial vote, the People’s Party told parliament that three unresolved issues cast doubt on whether Anutin Charnvirakul meets the constitutional standard of integrity required for office.
BOJ holds rates as expected, warns Iran war could stoke Japan inflation
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
The Bank of Japan left its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday, but made clear it is watching the inflationary risks stemming from the Middle East conflict, particularly the rise in crude oil prices, as concern grows over renewed pressure on consumer prices.
Anutin unveils 16-party coalition ahead of prime ministerial vote
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Anutin Charnvirakul says 16 parties are backing his bid for prime minister, with allies calling for a swift government to tackle mounting domestic and global pressures.
Doomsday Glacier collapse could put Bangkok and 7 million in flood zone
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica is melting fast, raising sea-level risks that could flood Bangkok and surrounding areas and affect more than 7 million people.
Pheu Thai’s new reality as coalition partner: cabinet quota tensions, Paetongtarn seen as party power hub
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
With Pheu Thai joining a Bhumjaithai-led coalition, the party faces pressure to rebuild popularity through performance. Internal jockeying over a quota of five ministers and three deputy ministers has exposed tensions between Shinawatra-aligned figures and influential local blocs, as Paetongtarn Shinawatra is positioned as the party’s new centre of gravity.
Malaysians urged to postpone travel to southern Thailand due to fuel shortages
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Malaysians are urged to postpone travel to southern Thailand following fuel shortages caused by panic buying, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday period.
Rising fuel prices push commuters in Vietnam’s cities towards metro use to cut costs
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Rising fuel prices are nudging commuters in Vietnam’s two largest cities onto urban rail, with packed carriages and longer queues signalling a shift that could ease both household budgets and chronic congestion.