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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
Malaysian King to Seek Chinese Funding for Singapore Rail Link
By Sebastian Strangio
During his state visit to China this week, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar will reportedly seek Chinese financial support for the high-speed railway between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Thailand Publishes New Draft Bill to Regulate Use, Sale of Cannabis
By Sebastian Strangio
The draft legislation seeks to curb recreational use of cannabis products, but stops short of relisting the plant as a narcotic.
Myanmar’s Silent Digital Crisis
By Phyu Sin Shin Thant
The country’s civil war has been accompanied by the growing prevalence of non-consensual pornography and other forms of cyber-attacks on women.
Thai Court Charges Eight Over 2004 Massacre in Southern Thailand
By Sebastian Strangio
A second case has been opened in relation to the Tak Bai massacre, in which 85 Malay Muslims were killed by Thai security forces.
Malaysia Charges Businessmen in Cult-Linked Child Sex Abuse Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings is accused of running a network of care homes where children were allegedly subject to systematic abuse.
Why Rakhine State Could Become Myanmar’s First Truly Autonomous Region
By Mung Sian Kim
Relatively free from foreign influence, the Arakan Army is poised to carve out a large autonomous statelet in western Myanmar.
Indonesian President’s Son Defends Private Jet Use to Anti-Corruption Agency
By Sebastian Strangio
Kaesang Pangarep's luxurious trip to the United States has highlighted the privileges enjoyed by the country's political elite.
Death Toll From Typhoon Yagi Rises in Inundated Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The disaster has increased scrutiny on international organizations' decision to engage with the military State Administration Council.
Duterte Could Face Charges Over Fugitive Preacher, Philippine Lawmaker Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Rodrigo Duterte reportedly bragged that he knew of the whereabouts of Apollo Quiboloy before his arrest on September 8.
Cambodia Frees Jailed Unionist Who Led NagaWorld Casino Strikes
By Sebastian Strangio
Chhim Sithar has vowed to continue fighting to improve wages and working conditions at the Phnom Penh entertainment complex.
Indonesia, Vietnam Agree to Move Toward Diplomatic Upgrade
By Sebastian Strangio
Indonesia would become the eighth nation, and the first in ASEAN, to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with Hanoi.
A Novel Solution to Southeast Asia’s Coming Demographic Crisis
By David Hutt
The region's governments need to start thinking more creatively about how to address their aging populations.
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