South Asia

The regional economy is strained by acute energy shortages and volatile oil prices. The Philippines declared a national energy emergency due to fuel shortages, while airlines cut flights to Singapore and Bangkok. High fuel prices are causing major concerns in Manila and prompting business moves in Singapore's energy and finance sectors.

• 19Airlines cut flights to Singapore and Bangkok due to fuel shortages and high prices
• 15Cafe and grocer The Providore closes all its Singapore locations
• 9Philippines declares national energy emergency over Middle East conflict risks
• 8Singapore sees business moves in energy and finance sectors
• 6Singapore financial firms expand services amid regional demand

Thailand's parliament elected Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister, with his cabinet list finalized for royal submission. Indonesia's Prabowo asserted a conditional stance on Trump's 'Board of Peace', threatening withdrawal if it does not benefit Palestinians. Sri Lanka's President refused a U.S. request to land fighter jets, signaling assertive non-alignment.

• 7Thailand's parliament elects Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister
• 4Indonesia will quit Trump's Board of Peace if it does not benefit Palestinians, Prabowo says
• 4Sri Lanka evacuates 208 crew members of 2nd Iranian vessel day after US sunk IRIS Dena
• 3Sara Duterte impeachment: House starts hearings on case against Philippines VP
• 3Anutin II Cabinet list finalised, set for royal submission on March 27

Regional security is dominated by a major U.S.-Iran naval clash off Sri Lanka, where a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. Subsequent attacks on cargo ships, including a Thai vessel, in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened maritime tensions. Sri Lanka has taken custody of an Iranian vessel and refused ground access to U.S. warplanes.

• 48U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, dozens killed
• 16Three cargo ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz, Thai vessel damaged
• 4Deadly ferry boarding mishap in Bangladesh leaves 24 dead after bus plunges into river
• 4Two Bangladesh nationals linked to murder of activist Sharif Osman Hadi arrested in Bengal
• 3Four killed after US refuelling plane crashes in Iraq, military says

Societies are under severe strain from energy and climate crises. Bangladesh closed all universities to save electricity during its energy emergency. Thailand braces for blistering heat above 40°C, while Sri Lanka works to revive education after a cyclone and Indonesia urges Eid travelers to avoid peak return traffic to Jakarta.

• 7Bangladesh closes all universities to save electricity during energy crisis
• 4Sri Lanka Latest Breaking News and Headlines - Print Edition Reviving education after Cyclone Ditwah
• 3Bangladesh bus crash into river kills at least 24
• 3Strong quake hits off Indonesia’s Sumatra island – USGS
• 2Posts falsely claim Duterte-stronghold Davao secured Brunei oil supply as prices soar - AFP Fact Check