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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.
Philippine Judges and Lawyers Push Back Against Red-Tagging
By Mong Palatino
A judge who dismissed a government petition to designate the country's communist insurgency a terrorist group has in turn been accused of communist sympathies.
Cambodia Microfinance Should be Taxed to Address Climate Change Impact, Research Says
By David Whitehouse
In contrast to the industry’s claim that microfinance allows borrowers to expand their businesses, many Cambodians "have no choice but to borrow to make ends meet.”
Stadium Tragedy Exposes Indonesia’s Troubled Soccer History
By John Duerden
Indonesia is one of the most dangerous countries in which to attend a game. At least 125 people died after a stampede at a recent game.
Thai Court Rules PM Can Stay, Did Not Exceed Term Limit
By Grant Peck
The court rejected an opposition petition arguing that the leader had exceeded his constitutional limit of eight years in office.
Meta Should Pay Reparations to Rohingya Refugees, Rights Group Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Amnesty International claims that Facebook was aware that its algorithms were amplifying harmful anti-Rohingya hate speech in Myanmar, but still did nothing to stop it.
Vietnamese Government Readies New Social Media Controls: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
It will soon introduce restrictions on which social media accounts can post news-related content.
Myanmar Junta Sentences Australian Economist to 3 Years Prison
By Sebastian Strangio
Sean Turnell was sentenced alongside Aung San Suu Kyi, whom he served as an economic adviser prior to her overthrow last year.
Dissident Myanmar Supermodel Granted Asylum in Canada
By Sebastian Strangio
The 23-year-old has vowed to “carry on the struggle for Myanmar” from abroad.
President Marcos’ Likely Foreign Policy Towards the Gulf States
By Asma Alkaabi and Alvin Camba
Good relations with the Middle East would support the Philippine leader's three main domestic policy priorities.
Philippines Readies Crackdown on Chinese Online Gambling Operations
By Sebastian Strangio
An official said that the crackdown was prompted by "reports of murder, kidnapping and other crimes committed by Chinese nationals against fellow Chinese nationals."
Cambodia Needs to Move Past the Narrative of ‘National Salvation’
By David Hutt
For decades, politicians on all sides of the political spectrum have framed the country's choice as one between salvation and extinction.
Why Should ASEAN or Anyone Else Negotiate with the Tatmadaw?
By Luke Hunt
There is a growing consensus that the world should engage directly with the opposition National Unity Government.