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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.

Biden to Host Summit With Japan’s Kishida and Philippines’ Marcos

Biden to Host Summit With Japan’s Kishida and Philippines’ Marcos

By Sebastian Strangio
The trilateral summit, which will be held in Washington on April 11, comes at a time of increasing tension in the western Pacific.

It’s a Family Affair as Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Cambodia

It’s a Family Affair as Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Cambodia

By Sebastian Strangio
The return of the Shinawatra clan in Thailand has delivered a fillip to relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
Vietnamese Parliament to Discuss ‘Personnel Issues’ This Week, Report Says

Vietnamese Parliament to Discuss ‘Personnel Issues’ This Week, Report Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The news has added fuel to rumors about the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, following the cancellation of a visit by the Dutch royal family.

Guardrails For the South China Sea

Guardrails For the South China Sea

By Sribala Subramanian
A top U.S. diplomat hopes the Senate will ratify a maritime treaty.  

Thai Parliament Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage By Year’s End, Official Says

Thai Parliament Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage By Year’s End, Official Says

By Sebastian Strangio
A same-sex marriage amendment has passed its first reading in the country's House of Representatives.

Last Flights Out of Sittwe

Last Flights Out of Sittwe

By Naw Theresa
As resistance forces move within striking distance of the capital of Rakhine State, many of its inhabitants are seeking a way out.

Thai Court Announces Another Harsh Prison Sentence Under Royal Insult Law

Thai Court Announces Another Harsh Prison Sentence Under Royal Insult Law

By Sebastian Strangio
The 25-year jail term came just days after the Election Commission ordered the disbanding of a major opposition party for advocating the reform of the lese-majeste law.
Politics, Energy, and Nationalism: Thailand and Cambodia’s Overlapping Maritime Claims

Politics, Energy, and Nationalism: Thailand and Cambodia’s Overlapping Maritime Claims

By William J. Jones
The two countries have agreed to resolve their outstanding claims in the Gulf of Thailand, but will be forced to negotiate their way around a host of nationalist tripwires.

Former Thai PM Visits Hometown Chiang Mai For First Time in 17 Years

Former Thai PM Visits Hometown Chiang Mai For First Time in 17 Years

By Sebastian Strangio
Thaksin Shinawatra's quasi-official reception will do little to damp down rumors that he remains the real power behind the Pheu Thai-led government.

Vietnam and the Art of Choosing

Vietnam and the Art of Choosing

By Khang Vu
Far from "refusing to choose" in its foreign relations, the country has been canny at deciding when – and where – to partner with more powerful countries.

President Marcos to Meet US Secretary of State Amid South China Sea Tensions

President Marcos to Meet US Secretary of State Amid South China Sea Tensions

By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine leader said that the meeting will address closer maritime cooperation between the U.S., the Philippines, and Japan.
Another Aircraft Incident Highlights Indonesia’s Shaky Aviation Safety Record

Another Aircraft Incident Highlights Indonesia’s Shaky Aviation Safety Record

By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite a string of fatal accidents, the country is struggling to improve safety standards in its aviation industry.

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