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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.
Vietnam Calls for Tech Giants to Use AI to Remove ‘Anti-State’ Content
By Sebastian Strangio
The demand marks a further incremental tightening of the state's control over the online sphere.
Thai Opposition Parties Settle Dispute Over House Speaker Role
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party has reportedly agreed to the Move Forward Party taking the role of house speaker, in exchange for the two deputy house speaker posts.
Cambodian PM’s Account Deactivated After Meta Oversight Board Ruling
By Sebastian Strangio
The Cambodian leader has responded by ordering the closure of his Facebook account and migrating to Telegram and TikTok.
Myanmar Junta’s Drug Trafficking Links
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Efforts by the former NLD government to check drug trafficking through enhanced surveillance seem to have been abandoned after the coup.
Meta Watchdog Calls for Suspension of Cambodian Leader’s Facebook Account
By Sebastian Strangio
The firm's independent Oversight Board said that a January speech by PM Hun Sen, in which he threatened to "beat up" his opponents, violated its policy on violence and incitement.
Is Cambodia’s New Election Amendment Actually About ‘Pardoning’ Exiled Opposition Leaders?
By David Hutt
Changes to election laws will give Prime Minister Hun Sen added room for maneuver as he prepares to hand power to his son, Hun Manet.
Cambodian PM Takes Aim at Unidentified Drones
By Luke Hunt
Military deployed, bounties offered, Montagnards told they are not welcome.
Why ‘Global Britain’ Will Prove a Welcome Partner for Southeast Asia
By Imran Said
Whitehall’s strategy of engaging ASEAN has been a notable, though unheralded, post-Brexit success story.
Thai Court Acquits Protesters of Threatening Queen’s Motorcade
By Sebastian Strangio
The case was a rare example of moderation in a case involving the sensitive subject of the Thai monarchy.
Family Values Take Center Stage at Singapore’s Annual Pink Dot Rally
By Robin Vochelet
On Saturday, thousands of Singaporeans attended the LGBTQ organization’s annual gathering, the first since last year’s repeal of Section 377A.
Dutch Court Rules in Malaysia’s Favor in Sulu Heirs Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hopes that the judgement would spell an end to the attempts to enforce a controversial $15 billion ruling.
Philippine Police Raid Alleged Cybercrime Buildings and Rescue 2,700 Workers
By Associated Press
The workers, who came from 18 different countries, were allegedly duped into working for fraudulent online gaming sites and other cybercrime groups.