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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.
Thich Nhat Hanh, Influential Zen Buddhist Monk, Dies at 95
By Associated Press
The revered Vietnamese monk did much to popularize the tenets of Zen Buddhism in the West.
France’s Total Backs Sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas Revenues
By Sebastian Strangio
The shift is a major breakthrough for activists seeking to strangle the military government's main source of revenue.
Omicron Threatens to Derail Cambodia’s ASEAN Agenda
By Luke Hunt
Zoom conferencing won’t work if the Southeast Asian bloc is to tackle the big issues.
Royalists Step Up Campaign Against Thai Chapter of Amnesty International
By Sebastian Strangio
A network led by the ultraroyalist booster Seksakol Atthawong claims the rights group supports the abolition of the Thai monarchy.
The Philippines in 2022: Elections, Omicron, and a Delayed Recovery
By Mong Palatino
The nation faces a tough year, but the upcoming presidential election heralds winds of change.
Indonesian Militant Gets 15 Years in Prison Over Bali Attacks
By Niniek Karmini
Prosecutors claim that Zulkarnaen, who eluded capture for 18 years, played a vital role in the October 2002 attacks.
Imprisoned Vietnamese Journalist Recognized With Human Rights Award
By Sebastian Strangio
The Martin Ennals Award committee hailed Pham Doan Trang as an "inspirational" example for activists in Vietnam.
UN Envoy Calls on Thailand to Step Up on Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
Noeleen Heyzer said that Thailand "has an important role in preventing further deterioration of the crisis in Myanmar."
Revisiting Thailand’s Involvement in the Cambodian Conflict
By Tita Sanglee
The Cambodian leader's recent trip to Myanmar recalled the negotiations aimed at resolving his own country's conflict in the late 1980s.
Cambodia Resumes Treason Trial of Opposition Leader Kem Sokha
By Sebastian Strangio
The resumption follows a nearly two-year break in proceedings, allegedly due to COVID-19.
Myanmar Crisis and Hun Sen’s Visit: ASEAN in Disarray?
By Delwar Hossain
Hun Sen was the first foreign leader to visit Myanmar since the military's overthrow of the country's democratically elected government.
Nusantara Gets the Nod as Indonesia Names Its New Capital City
By Luke Hunt
Construction of the new capital is to begin this year with an eye-watering budget of $35 billion.