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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.
Thailand’s Monkish Politics in the Spotlight
By Tita Sanglee
As Thailand moves toward elections due next year, the opposition Move Forward Party has unveiled a policy to enfranchise the country's Buddhist monks.
Cambodia to Send Deminers to Help Train Ukrainians
By Associated Press
In collaboration with Japan, Cambodia will dispatch experienced demining specialists to Ukraine.
Prominent Papuan Independence Activist Reported Dead After Drowning
By Sebastian Strangio
A longtime proponent of non-violence, Filep Karma spent years calling for "a dignified dialogue with the Indonesian government."
Why Is Philippine President Marcos Not Appointing a Health Secretary?
By Mong Palatino
So far, the reasons that the new leader has offered have been vague and at times incoherent.
Myanmar Junta Revokes License for Leading Exile Media Outlet
By Sebastian Strangio
The coup government's Ministry of Information said that The Irrawaddy has endangered "state security, rule of law, and public tranquility."
Richard Branson Declines Singapore’s Invitation to Debate Death Penalty
By Sebastian Strangio
The 72-year-old, a longtime anti-death penalty campaigner, instead called for "a constructive, lasting dialogue involving multiple stakeholders."
Xi Jinping Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Vietnam’s Communist Party Chief
By Sebastian Strangio
The elaborate ceremonials of Nguyen Phu Trong's state visit are a reminder of the alternating attraction and resistance that underpin Sino-Vietnamese relations.
Indonesia’s Plea: ‘G-20 Must Not Fail’
By Sribala Subramanian
Was Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi’s speech at the United Nations a curtain raiser for the G-20 summit?
President Biden Confirmed for Summits in Cambodia, Indonesia
By Sebastian Strangio
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris will represent the U.S. at the upcoming APEC Summit in Bangkok.
The Tyranny of Compelled Speech in Cambodia
By David Hutt
Censorship and self-censorship are less repressive than being forced to express and affirm a regime's lies.
Southeast Asia’s Data Localization Push Is a Double-Edged Sword
By Xirui Li
The policy could stimulate the growth of regional data centers, while also throwing up barriers to digital trade.
ASEAN Foreign Ministers Urge More Progress in Myanmar Crisis
By Niniek Karmini and Grant Peck
The ministers admitted their efforts haven’t achieved significant progress and called to strengthen the implementation of a five-point consensus.