Thailand is grappling with one of its deadliest school shootings in years after a 14-year-old student opened fire at a school in Nonthaburi province near Bangkok. CCTV footage reportedly shows the teenager firing at classmates at Deepsin Nonthaburi School.

At least nine people have been killed, including school staff and a 12-year-old girl, while more than 30 people were injured. The teenager later died after shooting himself. Authorities are also investigating reports that he allegedly killed his grandparents before going to the school.

Police are investigating how the teenager accessed a registered handgun belonging to his grandfather, while a large quantity of ammunition was reportedly found in his school bag. Investigators are examining his online activity, relationships, possible bullying and reports that he had researched an American school shooting case.

Thailand School Shooting | 14-Year-Old Gunman Kills 9, Injures 30+ | Calls Grow for Tighter Gun Laws

Pakistan is staring down a perfect storm of crises.
From escalating protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, pressure is mounting on the Shehbaz Sharif government. Is the Shehbaz Sharif government losing its grip and can it contain the political, economic and security crises threatening to overwhelm Pakistan?

Protests, Security Crisis & Political Turmoil Rock Pakistan

Trade through the Nathu-La resumed on August 1 after being suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The route will operate seasonally from May to November, with trading from Monday to Thursday under the existing list of approved commodities.

 Nathu-La Border Trade Resumes After Six Years | Wion News 

Japan marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing with a solemn peace ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must never be repeated. The commemoration comes as Japan simultaneously undertakes its largest defense buildup since World War II in response to growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea, highlighting the country's delicate balance between peace and national security.

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

Japan has marked the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirming the country's commitment to its long-standing non-nuclear principles.

Thousands gathered at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to honor the victims of the world's first atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. During the ceremony, Japan pledged to continue supporting global nuclear disarmament while maintaining its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The commemoration comes as Japan undertakes its largest military buildup since World War II, citing growing regional security challenges from China, North Korea, and closer Russia-China-North Korea cooperation. The country recently conducted its first live-fire test of a U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missile, highlighting its expanding conventional defense capabilities.

Japan Honors Hiroshima Victims While Expanding Military Capabilities | Hiroshima Anniversary

Pakistan's ex-Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Shabbar Zaidi blamed China for his country's economic crisis. This comes amid reports that only 38 out of 90 projects envisaged under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor have been completed so far. China remains Pakistan's biggest creditor.

Ex-Top Pak Official Blames Economic Woes on China: Here's How CPEC Has Been a Failure

A massive search and rescue operation is underway in Indonesia after a passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire while crossing the Java Sea. Authorities say at least five people have died, 225 have been rescued, and 41 remain missing.

The ferry was traveling from Surabaya, East Java, to Makassar, South Sulawesi, when the captain reported flames onboard. Emergency responders, supported by nearby vessels, rushed to evacuate passengers as the ship burned. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire while rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

Deadly Indonesia Ferry Blaze Sparks Major Search And Rescue Mission | Indonesia Ferry Fire

A passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire in the Java Sea while sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), five people have been confirmed dead, while 41 remain missing as rescue operations continue. Emergency teams are working to evacuate passengers and crew after the vessel caught fire during its journey.

Authorities say the captain alerted the ferry company shortly after the blaze broke out, triggering a large-scale search and rescue mission involving multiple emergency agencies.

Indonesia Ferry Fire: 5 Dead, 41 Missing After Passenger Ferry Catches Fire in Java Sea

China has conducted joint naval and air combat drills around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, further escalating tensions in one of the world's most contested maritime regions.

The exercises, announced by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, were described as a test of combat readiness and a demonstration of China's ability to defend what it calls its maritime rights and interests.

The drills took place around Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Dao in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. The reef lies approximately 220 kilometres west of Luzon and falls within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under international law.

China-Philippines Dispute Deepens | PLA Conducts Joint Naval And Air Exercises

Protests erupted in Lahore after a police crackdown in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) triggered widespread outrage. Student groups, labour organizations, and progressive activists gathered outside the Lahore Press Club to condemn the violence and express solidarity with activists in the region. Demonstrators raised slogans against the ongoing crackdown and demanded that the Pakistani government initiate dialogue with representatives from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Protesters also voiced support for the Joint Awami Action Committee, which has reportedly been banned by the Pakistani authorities.

POK Unrest Deepens | Protesters Rally In Lahore Against Police Violence

Stay updated with today's biggest global headlines.



Ukraine Strikes Russia | Spain Migrant Crisis | Europe Migrant Crisis | Hamas Agrees to Trump Deal

A deadly coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province has claimed at least 34 lives, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate workers who remain trapped beneath the debris. Authorities believe a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse at the mine near the provincial capital, leading to one of the deadliest mining disasters in the region in recent years. Rescue operations have continued through the night, while officials warn that the death toll could rise further.

Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills 34 | Rescue Teams Race to Find Trapped Miners

#Gravitas Thailand is set to abandon one of its biggest infrastructure projects.  A fresh government review concluded that a $30 billion proposed landbridge project aimed at bypassing the Malacca Strait is no longer financially viable and could cause serious environmental damage. 

Thailand Plans to Scrap Land Bridge Project Bypassing Malacca Strait  | GRAVITAS 

A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake has struck southwestern Japan, killing at least 13 people and leaving widespread destruction across Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake toppled buildings, damaged roads and bridges, derailed a cargo train, and sparked multiple fires. Authorities say a gas leak likely triggered a deadly explosion at a shopping mall, where several people remain missing.

Around 300,000 residents have been urged to evacuate as strong aftershocks continue to shake the region. Rescue teams, supported by Japan's military, are carrying out search and relief operations while officials assess the damage. The historic Kumamoto Castle has also suffered fresh damage, years after the devastating 2016 earthquakes.

Japan Hit by Devastating 7.1 Earthquake | Death Toll Rises, Rescue Operations Underway

A major search and rescue operation is underway after a Vietnamese cargo ship carrying 62 crew members sank in the disputed South China Sea during severe weather. Rescuers have saved 39 people, while 23 remain missing. Chinese rescue ships, helicopters, and nearby fishing vessels are assisting Vietnamese authorities in the search near Fiery Cross Reef in the Spratly Islands. The incident occurred in one of the world's most disputed maritime regions, where overlapping territorial claims by China, Vietnam, and the Philippines continue to fuel tensions.

23 Missing After Vietnamese Cargo Ship Sinks in South China Sea | Massive Rescue Ops Underway

South Korea's Supreme Court has delivered what is being called the country's "Divorce of the Year." SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won has been ordered to pay 944 billion won to his former wife, Roh So-young, in one of the largest divorce settlements in South Korean history. The landmark ruling has drawn attention to Chey's massive stake in SK Group, South Korea's second-largest conglomerate. Analysts believe the billionaire may need to sell shares or use them as collateral to fund the record payment.

Chey Tae-Won to Pay 944 Billion Won to Wife | Wion News 

Bangladesh is entering another major political transition as President Mohammad Shahabuddin prepares to resign before completing his five-year term. According to official sources, Shahabuddin's resignation comes amid increasing political pressure linked to his long association with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League government was removed during the 2024 student-led uprising. The move also comes as Sheikh Hasina has announced plans to return to Bangladesh later this year after being convicted by the country's war crimes tribunal—a verdict she strongly denies.

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin resigns | political shake-up ahead of Hasina's return

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul added a musical touch to diplomacy during his official visit to Beijing by performing a classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang at a formal state lunch. The performance, accompanied by piano, received warm applause from guests and highlighted the Thai leader’s unique approach to cultural diplomacy. The moment follows several of his musical appearances during official visits across Asia, where he has combined music with international engagement.


Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

In this bulletin:

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun heads to Washington for high-level talks with Donald Trump after Lebanon-Israel discussions.
Ukraine launches fresh drone attacks on western Russia as the war intensifies.
Massive fire at a fireworks factory in Ahmedabad kills eight and leaves several critically injured.
Uganda school bus tragedy claims 24 lives, prompting cancellation of school field trips.
Tuareg separatists attack a Mali military convoy in the country's north.
Wildfires continue to rage across northern Spain, burning more than 15,400 hectares.
Political thriller Article 370 wins Best Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards.

Stay tuned for the latest global developments, breaking news, geopolitics, conflict updates, and international affairs.

Lebanon-US talks | Ukraine drone attack | Spain wildfire | Uganda crash | National film awards

A New York Times investigation has alleged that Russia has turned Japan into a key hub for espionage, covert procurement, and the sourcing of critical technology used in the Russia-Ukraine war. The report claims Russian intelligence officers operating under diplomatic and commercial cover have exploited Japan's relatively weak espionage laws to acquire sensitive components. Japan has acknowledged the need to strengthen its intelligence and counter-espionage capabilities, with Parliament approving a new national intelligence coordination body. The report also alleges that procurement networks routed military-use technology through intermediary countries to bypass export controls.

Japan tightens intelligence network after the NYT exposes alleged Russian spy operations

A unique wellness trend is taking over Bangkok as hundreds of people gathered in Lumphini Park for a "Do Nothing" event. Participants spent one hour sitting quietly without using their phones, talking, or taking part in any activities. Organizers described the gathering as a peaceful protest against hustle culture and the constant pressure to stay productive. The movement is part of a growing global trend promoting mindfulness, digital detox, and slowing down, with similar events already taking place in South Korea and Spain.

Bangkok's 'Do Nothing' event goes viral | Hundreds gather to escape hustle culture

Asia’s once-resilient manufacturing sector is showing signs of sustained fatigue as June PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) data from across the region point to a deepening contraction in factory activity, with China standing out as a rare exception. Amid persistent global trade tensions, especially around US tariffs under President Donald Trump, many export-reliant economies, including Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Indonesia, are reporting falling orders, reduced output, and job cuts. China’s manufacturing sector, meanwhile, managed to return to growth in June, with its PMI rising to 50.4, breaching the critical 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. This contrasts with the rest of Asia, where both domestic and foreign demand have remained subdued and prospects remain clouded by tariff uncertainties and declining global consumption.<h2>Widespread contraction across Asia</h2>The S&amp;P Global PMI readings across much of the continent paint a grim picture. Taiwan’s manufacturing PMI fell to 47.2 in June from 48.6 in May, marking the steepest contraction in 18 months. The slump was driven by sharp declines in both new business and export orders, with manufacturers citing “reduced customer demand at home and overseas amid tariff concerns”, according to Annabel Fiddes of S&amp;P Global Market Intelligence.Vietnam’s PMI fell to 48.9, dragged down by what businesses described as a tariff-induced collapse in export orders, particularly to the US. Staffing, purchasing, and inventories all saw corresponding cuts, although production showed marginal growth. The country’s manufacturers noted that US tariffs had been a major factor behind the decline in foreign business.Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the picture was similarly bleak. Indonesia posted the region’s worst reading at 46.9, down from 47.4 in May. The country saw its sharpest fall in new orders since August 2021, triggering contractions in output and employment. Malaysia and the wider ASEAN bloc also remained mired in contraction, with ASEAN’s overall PMI dipping to 48.6, its lowest level since August 2021, amid worsening foreign demand and production cuts.South Korea, a key manufacturing hub, reported a PMI of 48.7 in June, an improvement from 47.7 in May, but still indicative of contraction for the fourth straight month. Manufacturers reported a fourth consecutive drop in production and a third in export orders, with global clients showing increasing hesitancy as tariff uncertainty looms. Despite a slight recovery in domestic sentiment, the employment index turned negative again, highlighting fragile conditions on the ground.Japan managed a symbolic return to growth with its PMI rising to 50.1 in June—the first reading above 50 since May 2024—helped by a slight increase in production. But the country remains exposed to escalating US tariffs, with President Trump threatening new levies on Japanese imports. Business optimism improved, but underlying demand remained weak, and both new orders and exports continued to decline.Even traditionally resilient economies such as the Philippines and Thailand are feeling the strain. The Philippines PMI rose modestly to 50.7, but supply chain constraints and labour shortages hampered growth. Thailand, by contrast, posted stronger numbers, its PMI rose to 51.7, the best since August 2024, thanks to better export orders and strong promotional activity. However, manufacturers there remained cautious amid easing optimism.<h2>China: A fragile recovery</h2>Amid the widespread gloom, China has emerged as the only major Asian economy to register an expansion in manufacturing activity. Its June PMI rose to 50.4 from 48.3 in May, driven by a rebound in new domestic orders and production. Though the increase was marginal, it marked the fastest pace of output growth since November 2024. Firms credited promotional activities and better trade conditions for the rebound.Still, the recovery is far from robust. Export orders declined for a third consecutive month, although the pace of decline eased. Manufacturers continued to cut jobs in response to cost pressures and uncertainty about the global trade outlook. Business confidence, while still positive, weakened and remains below the long-run average.Chinese firms also faced deteriorating supply chain conditions and were cautious about input purchases. Despite these headwinds, cost savings from lower raw material prices allowed manufacturers to reduce output charges, helping maintain competitiveness.<h2>Tariff deadlines loom large</h2>The regional downturn comes as the three-month grace period on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is set to expire on July 9. Washington is expected to announce further tariff actions shortly after the US July 4 holiday, including sweeping 24 per cent duties on Japanese imports unless a last-minute agreement is reached. The ongoing brinkmanship has left businesses wary of investing or hiring, further straining supply chains and undermining fragile recoveries.Economists warn that the region’s deflationary pressures, intensified by cheap Chinese exports and reduced global consumption, may worsen if geopolitical tensions remain unresolved. Despite China’s positive headline reading, the outlook for the broader region remains troubled. Unless global demand picks up and tariff risks recede, Asia’s role as the world’s factory floor may be in for a prolonged period of restructuring and stagnation.

In Asia, both domestic and foreign demand, have remained subdued and prospects remain clouded by tariff uncertainties and declining global consumption.

Asia’s once-resilient manufacturing sector is showing signs of sustained fatigue as June PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) data from across the region point to a deepening contraction in factory activity, with China standing out as a rare exception. Amid persistent global trade tensions, especially around US tariffs under President Donald Trump, many export-reliant economies, including Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Indonesia, are reporting falling orders, reduced output, and job cuts. China’s manufacturing sector, meanwhile, managed to return to growth in June, with its PMI rising to 50.4, breaching the critical 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. This contrasts with the rest of Asia, where both domestic and foreign demand have remained subdued and prospects remain clouded by tariff uncertainties and declining global consumption. Widespread contraction across Asia The S&P Global PMI readings across much of the continent paint a grim picture. Taiwan’s manufacturing PMI fell to 47.2 in June from 48.6 in May, marking the steepest contraction in 18 months. The slump was driven by sharp declines in both new business and export orders, with manufacturers citing “reduced customer demand at home and overseas amid tariff concerns”, according to Annabel Fiddes of S&P Global Market Intelligence. Vietnam’s PMI fell to 48.9, dragged down by what businesses described as a tariff-induced collapse in export orders, particularly to the US. Staffing, purchasing, and inventories all saw corresponding cuts, although production showed marginal growth. The country’s manufacturers noted that US tariffs had been a major factor behind the decline in foreign business. Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the picture was similarly bleak. Indonesia posted the region’s worst reading at 46.9, down from 47.4 in May. The country saw its sharpest fall in new orders since August 2021, triggering contractions in output and employment. Malaysia and the wider ASEAN bloc also remained mired in contraction, with ASEAN’s overall PMI dipping to 48.6, its lowest level since August 2021, amid worsening foreign demand and production cuts. South Korea, a key manufacturing hub, reported a PMI of 48.7 in June, an improvement from 47.7 in May, but still indicative of contraction for the fourth straight month. Manufacturers reported a fourth consecutive drop in production and a third in export orders, with global clients showing increasing hesitancy as tariff uncertainty looms. Despite a slight recovery in domestic sentiment, the employment index turned negative again, highlighting fragile conditions on the ground. Japan managed a symbolic return to growth with its PMI rising to 50.1 in June—the first reading above 50 since May 2024—helped by a slight increase in production. But the country remains exposed to escalating US tariffs, with President Trump threatening new levies on Japanese imports. Business optimism improved, but underlying demand remained weak, and both new orders and exports continued to decline. Even traditionally resilient economies such as the Philippines and Thailand are feeling the strain. The Philippines PMI rose modestly to 50.7, but supply chain constraints and labour shortages hampered growth. Thailand, by contrast, posted stronger numbers, its PMI rose to 51.7, the best since August 2024, thanks to better export orders and strong promotional activity. However, manufacturers there remained cautious amid easing optimism. China: A fragile recovery Amid the widespread gloom, China has emerged as the only major Asian economy to register an expansion in manufacturing activity. Its June PMI rose to 50.4 from 48.3 in May, driven by a rebound in new domestic orders and production. Though the increase was marginal, it marked the fastest pace of output growth since November 2024. Firms credited promotional activities and better trade conditions for the rebound. Still, the recovery is far from robust. Export orders declined for a third consecutive month, although the pace of decline eased. Manufacturers continued to cut jobs in response to cost pressures and uncertainty about the global trade outlook. Business confidence, while still positive, weakened and remains below the long-run average. Chinese firms also faced deteriorating supply chain conditions and were cautious about input purchases. Despite these headwinds, cost savings from lower raw material prices allowed manufacturers to reduce output charges, helping maintain competitiveness. Tariff deadlines loom large The regional downturn comes as the three-month grace period on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs is set to expire on July 9. Washington is expected to announce further tariff actions shortly after the US July 4 holiday, including sweeping 24 per cent duties on Japanese imports unless a last-minute agreement is reached. The ongoing brinkmanship has left businesses wary of investing or hiring, further straining supply chains and undermining fragile recoveries. Economists warn that the region’s deflationary pressures, intensified by cheap Chinese exports and reduced global consumption, may worsen if geopolitical tensions remain unresolved. Despite China’s positive headline reading, the outlook for the broader region remains troubled. Unless global demand picks up and tariff risks recede, Asia’s role as the world’s factory floor may be in for a prolonged period of restructuring and stagnation.

In Asia, both domestic and foreign demand, have remained subdued and prospects remain clouded by tariff uncertainties and declining global consumption.

Asia’s manufacturing engines stall amid trade uncertainty; China emerges as lone bright spot

The arms race in Asia is intensifying. Here is a list of defence systems several Asian countries are looking to acquire.

Why is the arms race intensifying in Asia?

asia-news

Asia News, News on Asia News, stories on Asia News, articles on Asia News, Asia News stories at Wion, Asia News news, Asia News latest news

asia news

Thailand School Shooting | 14-Year-Old Gunman Kills 9, Injures 30+ | Calls Grow for Tighter Gun Laws

Protests, Security Crisis & Political Turmoil Rock Pakistan

Nathu-La Border Trade Resumes After Six Years | Wion News

August 6, 1945: Around 140,000 People Perished in Hiroshima Bombing

Japan Honors Hiroshima Victims While Expanding Military Capabilities | Hiroshima Anniversary

Ex-Top Pak Official Blames Economic Woes on China: Here's How CPEC Has Been a Failure

Deadly Indonesia Ferry Blaze Sparks Major Search And Rescue Mission | Indonesia Ferry Fire

Indonesia Ferry Fire: 5 Dead, 41 Missing After Passenger Ferry Catches Fire in Java Sea

China-Philippines Dispute Deepens | PLA Conducts Joint Naval And Air Exercises

POK Unrest Deepens | Protesters Rally In Lahore Against Police Violence

Ukraine Strikes Russia | Spain Migrant Crisis | Europe Migrant Crisis | Hamas Agrees to Trump Deal

Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills 34 | Rescue Teams Race to Find Trapped Miners

Thailand Plans to Scrap Land Bridge Project Bypassing Malacca Strait | GRAVITAS

Japan Hit by Devastating 7.1 Earthquake | Death Toll Rises, Rescue Operations Underway

23 Missing After Vietnamese Cargo Ship Sinks in South China Sea | Massive Rescue Ops Underway

Chey Tae-Won to Pay 944 Billion Won to Wife | Wion News

Bangladesh President Mohammad Shahabuddin resigns | political shake-up ahead of Hasina's return

Thai Prime Minister sings classic song for Chinese Premier Li Qiang during Beijing state lunch

Lebanon-US talks | Ukraine drone attack | Spain wildfire | Uganda crash | National film awards

Lebanon-US talks | Ukraine drone attack | Spain wildfire | Uganda crash | National film awards

Japan tightens intelligence network after the NYT exposes alleged Russian spy operations

Bangkok's 'Do Nothing' event goes viral | Hundreds gather to escape hustle culture

Asian manufacturing stalls amid trade uncertainty; China is the only bright spot

Why is the arms race intensifying in Asia?