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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.
Philippines Election Authority Dismisses More Complaints Against Marcos
By Sebastian Strangio
The son of the late dictator now holds a commanding lead in the race to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte.
Indonesian Parliament Set to Scrutinize Bilateral Agreements with Singapore
By Jefferson Ng
Due to the complex composition of the country's parliament, the process is likely to be protracted.
Philippines Fully Opens to Foreign Visitors After Nearly 2 Years
By Sebastian Strangio
The move, which follows a sudden easing of COVID-19 infections, will deliver a much-needed jolt to the nation's tourism industry.
As Cambodian Election Season Nears, Opposition Parties Prepare to Tackle Hun Sen
By Sebastian Strangio
Upcoming commune and national elections won't be free or fair, but they will offer signals of how the CPP plans to govern during its next mandate.
Is Or Vandine Cambodia’s Future?
By David Hutt
The U.S.-educated Health Ministry official has shot to prominence as the public face of Cambodia's COVID-19 response.
Thailand Drops Cannabis From Its List of Controlled Narcotics
By Sebastian Strangio
Public Health Minister Anutin Charnivakul said the move marked the beginning of "a new history for cannabis" in the country.
Hun Sen Apologizes as Myanmar Gamble Backfires Over Sean Turnell
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia’s embarrassment can only further isolate Myanmar’s military junta.
Myanmar Military Clashes With Arakan Army, Threatening Ceasefire
By Sebastian Strangio
The Rakhine nationalist force has the clout to reshape the contours of Myanmar's post-coup crisis.
In Thailand, the COVID-19 Pandemic Unites Old Factions in Discontent
By Meghan Murphy
Old "yellow" vs. "red" divides have been transcended by a generalized discontent with the political status quo.
Myanmar Junta to Grant ASEAN Envoy Access to Detained NLD Figures
By Sebastian Strangio
But there are good reasons to think this concession will serve the military administration's broader goals.
Australia Calls for Myanmar Junta to Release Detained Economist
By Sebastian Strangio
Professor Sean Turnell had worked as an economic policy advisor to ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
COVID-19 Infections Hit Six-Month Highs in Indonesia
By Sebastian Strangio
Propelled by the Omicron variant, the country's daily caseload has increased more than 30-fold in just under a month.