Thailand's benchmark SET Index plummeted 8%, forcing a 30-minute trading suspension at 12.18pm local time. The halt could extend to 60 minutes if the index drops another 2%. Middle East tensions are driving this selloff, with investors fearing prolonged conflict could raise oil prices.

Thailand's high energy imports make it particularly vulnerable to higher costs, analysts warn. Tourism sector disruption from potential air route closures adds to concerns. The plunge erases nearly 14% gains from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's election victory, narrowing the index's annual advance to 7.1%.