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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.
Following Release, Thailand’s Thaksin Welcomes Former Cambodian PM
By Sebastian Strangio
The former Thai leader established a close relationship with Hun Sen during his 15 years in self-exile.
Indonesian Election Shows Advances In Deradicalization Methods
By Aisyah Llewellyn
A number of former members of the extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah cast their votes in last week's election, some for the first time.
What Malaysia’s New King Means For the Country’s Monarchy
By Prem Singh Gill
In recent years, the ceremonial monarchs have been taking a more active role in the country's political life.
Indonesian Presidential Contenders Call for Parliamentary Probe Into Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo have both expressed concerns that last week's election was tainted by fraud and abuses of power.
UN Expert Cites Need for Legal Reforms in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The U.N. special rapporteur noted some improvements under the Marcos administration, but “not sufficient to turn the page decisively on the past.”
Philippines to Probe Claims of Chinese Cyanide Use at Scarborough Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
Allegations that Chinese vessels have used the toxic chemical in their fishing operations add to the climate of tension in the South China Sea.
Former Thai PM Thaksin Freed on Parole After 6 Months
By Sebastian Strangio
As controversy over his parole simmers, attention turns to what influence the controversial former leader will have over Thai politics.
Southeast Asia’s Reactionaries Can Embrace Same-Sex Marriage
By David Hutt
As in the West, extending marriage rights to same-sex couples will only serve to strengthen the social fabric.
The Self-Defeating Nature of Thailand’s ‘Soft Power’ Push
By Mark S. Cogan
A genuine flowering of popular culture would inevitably showcase the repressive nature of the Thai state.
Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Enduring Legacy in Foreign Affairs
By Hamzah Ben Ahmad
Malaysia's first prime minister fell short of realizing his domestic vision, the impacts of his diplomacy are still being felt today.
What Indonesia’s Election Result Means For the Ruling PDI-P
By Virdika Rizky Utama
Cast into opposition for the first time in two decades, the PDI-P has a critical role to play as a check on the incoming administration's power.
Philippines Deploys Warship to Palawan Island, Facing South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The deployment follows a string of stand-offs between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the disputed seaway.