Foreign and economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have jointly called on world leaders to immediately halt the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to Al Jazeera. They warned that the conflict has already begun to affect Southeast Asia’s economy through rising oil prices and disruptions to trade.

Several ASEAN member states have started implementing measures to counter these economic impacts, including energy conservation, stabilizing domestic markets, and protecting vulnerable sectors such as tourism. The ministers also urged that global energy supply chains remain open and that regional mechanisms be activated to minimize economic losses.

Economic ministers cautioned that Southeast Asia faces heightened risks due to its dependence on global oil and LNG supply routes. They emphasized the need to strengthen supply chain stability, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, and enhance regional cooperation to mitigate future shocks.

Fresh fighting erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border early Monday, raising fears of derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore peace between the two neighbors. The clashes, which began on December 8, have already claimed at least 40 lives and displaced nearly one million people on both sides. ASEAN foreign ministers are meeting in Malaysia to discuss ways to revive a ceasefire originally brokered in July under U.S. mediation.

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry accused Thailand of launching four bomb attacks in Banteay Meanchey province and using toxic gas in the Preah Chan area. Thai media reported artillery exchanges in Sa Kaeo province, though Bangkok has yet to issue an official statement. Cambodian media said shelling in Battambang injured at least one civilian.

The renewed hostilities come as both governments trade blame, complicating ASEAN’s mediation efforts. Observers warn that without restraint, the conflict could destabilize regional security and disrupt cross-border trade, while humanitarian agencies struggle to assist the displaced populations.

Heavy rains across Southeast Asia have triggered deadly landslides, killing dozens in Indonesia and Vietnam. In Indonesia’s Central Java province, at least 18 people died and several remain missing after landslides buried homes in Cilacap and Banjarnegara. Rescue teams are struggling to recover victims buried under thick mud, with excavators deployed to clear debris. In Vietnam, six people were killed and 19 injured when a passenger bus was buried by a landslide on the Khanh Le Pass between Da Lat and Nha Trang. The incident, caused by torrential rain, trapped passengers as rescuers battled blocked roads and continuing downpours. Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying Southeast Asia’s rainy season, increasing the frequency and severity of floods and landslides. Both Indonesia and Vietnam are among the world’s most flood-prone nations, with large populations living in high-risk areas. The recent disasters follow Typhoon Kalmaegi, which earlier devastated parts of the region, underscoring growing climate-related vulnerabilities.