Hello from Tokyo. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, following an escalation in clashes that began on Thursday last week, took effect at 0:00 a.m. on Tuesday. At Nikkei Asia, we provided continuous coverage throughout the weekend via live blogs and breaking news updates.
When reports emerged that Thailand had deployed F-16 fighter jets against Cambodia, our newsroom braced for the worst: the possibility of full-scale war between the two nations. Fortunately, the conflict -- which claimed more than 40 lives and displaced around 300,000 people -- was halted through mediation by Malaysia, the current chair of ASEAN. Although sporadic violence continued in places even after the ceasefire, the truce -- fragile as it may seem -- has taken hold. For a detailed look at the ceasefire and behind-the-scenes analysis of the two militaries, please read our coverage here.
This episode has underscored the fragility of ties among some Southeast Asian nations. Had tensions between Thailand and Cambodia escalated further -- especially amid the ongoing civil war in Myanmar -- it would have delivered a serious blow to the region's economy and political stability. That the crisis was contained within the ASEAN framework is significant. Maintaining regional peace is essential for the bloc at a time when it faces challenges such as intensifying U.S.-China tensions and high tariffs from the Trump administration.
Nikkei Asia has a major editorial bureau in Bangkok, and contributing writers in Cambodia helped drive our coverage of the recent events. As editor-in-chief, I am deeply concerned about rising tensions in the region. At the same time, I also take great pride in how our journalists continue to deliver timely, responsible and impartial reporting during crises -- one of our greatest strengths. I invite you to log in to Nikkei Asia and explore our reporting on the turbulent period that unfolded.
Nikkei Forum in Melbourne
Lastly, I have an announcement. On Aug. 18, Nikkei will host the Nikkei Forum in Melbourne, where experts and our Sydney-based reporters will explore the deepening business and economic ties between Japan and Australia. Online viewing is free, so please register to join the discussion!
My suggested reads
1. Australia's auto market is one of the most competitive in the world, and Chinese makers want a bigger slice of it. Our reporter in Sydney visited the imposing off-road track known as Beer O'Clock Hill to see how companies like GWM aim to prove they have both the tech and toughness to muscle out rival brands.
2. Tourism-related stocks in Thailand -- from airlines to hotels and retailers -- have slumped amid falling foreign visitor numbers, particularly from China, making the country's equity market one of the region's worst performers. As our reporter in Bangkok notes, ongoing tensions with Cambodia, despite a ceasefire agreement, may further dampen travel demand and pressure the sector.
3. Faith-based businesses in Malaysia are staging events attracting thousands of people from across the region as demand rises for accessible spiritual inspiration. With tickets, sponsors, merch and vendor booths, these gatherings -- held for both Muslims and Christians -- could easily be mistaken for pop concerts or cultural festivals, just with a higher purpose.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Akito Tanaka
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