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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.
Malaysia Charges Four Men Over Mass Graves and Trafficking Camps
By Sebastian Strangio
The charges relate to the discovery of more than 100 bodies in mass graves in the Thailand-Malaysia border region in 2015.
Suitcase Killer’s Plea Deal Is Rare Shot of Double Justice
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Chicago woman Heather Mack was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Indonesia for aiding in the murder of her socialite mother in 2014. Will she now face further time in the U.S.?
Philippine Senate Probes Afghan Refugee Deal
By Mong Palatino
A proposal to resettle 50,000 refugees, mostly former employees of the U.S. government in Afghanistan, has stirred up a political controversy.
US Announces Sanctions on Myanmar State Banks, Defense Ministry
By Sebastian Strangio
The targeting of the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank is designed to choke off the military's access to the U.S. dollar.
In Post-Repeal Singapore, LGBTQ Activists Work to Expand Family Structures
By Robin Vochelet
For this year’s Pink Dot campaign, the first since the repeal of Section 377A, queer Singaporeans hope to expand the definition of family in the city-state.
Indonesia Shifts ASEAN Military Drills Out of Disputed Waters
By Sebastian Strangio
The non-combat drills, the first to be held by the Southeast Asian bloc, will now take place near Batam island, well outside China's "nine-dash line" claim.
Thai Activists Sue Government Over Alleged Use of Pegasus Spyware
By Sebastian Strangio
Last year, cybersecurity researchers claimed to have unearthed “an extensive espionage campaign targeting Thai pro-democracy protesters."
Myanmar and Russia Sign Energy Deals, Establish Direct Flights
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreements point to the advancing strategic convergence between the two pariah states.
Thai Election Body Certifies General Election Results
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement paves the way for parliament to convene in early July, after which it will vote to select the country's next prime minister.
Vietnam Arrests More Than 50 Over Central Highlands Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
The motivation for the coordinated attacks on two commune offices in Dak Lak province remains unclear.
Thailand Under Fire For Brokering ‘Informal’ Meeting on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Key ASEAN member states, including current chair Indonesia, will skip the talks, which are intended to "fully re-engage" Myanmar's military government.
Could an Australian Solar Farm Challenge Lao Energy Ambitions?
By Luke Hunt
With ambitious plans to export Australian solar power to Singapore, Sun Cable could reshape ASEAN’s future power demands.