Thai election, Belt and Road -- 12 of our most read stories in 2023

TOKYO -- Political succession among Asia's leaders was the topic that most intrigued our readers, especially Thailand's election in May that created a vacuum over the choice of who would become prime minister, generating many headlines in 2023.

The election was won by the progressive Move Forward Party, but its leader Pita Limjaroenrat failed to be chosen in a parliamentary vote, resulting in Srettha Thavisin of the second-largest party, Pheu Thai, taking the position. It took four months to form a new government.

Singapore's presidential election also captured readers' attention, even though that position is only a ceremonial post. Lee Hsien Loong will pass the reins of the more important post of prime minister to his deputy, Lawrence Wong, by the end of 2024.

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Cambodia's prime minister of 38 years, Hun Sen, stepped down after handing power over to his son, Hun Manet, following an election walkover made possible by the disqualification of his party's only credible rivals.

On the business and market side, China's property crisis led by Evergrande and Country Garden were also big subjects. While the Chinese economy struggles to recover from the COVID pandemic, the country's ambitious decade-old Belt and Road Initiative gained fresh attention with Italy's decision to pull out of the project.

With the shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, China has developed a competitive electric vehicle industry led by its biggest EV maker, BYD. How other automakers are faring in Asia's car industry has drawn much interest from readers.

The Israel-Hamas war that started in October also had an impact on readers. Thais working in Israel were captured by the Palestinian militant group, and the Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea, marking a fresh blow to global supply chains. Take a look back with 12 of our most read stories of the year.