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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.
November 27, 2020
Thai Official Warns Laos on Power Purchases from Controversial Dam
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thai concerns about the Sanakham dam come amid growing recognition of the dire state of the Mekong.
November 27, 2020
Could an Unlikely Alliance Unseat Cambodia’s PM?
By David Hutt
Rumors have long swirled of an alliance between opposition leader Sam Rainsy and Interior Minister Sar Kheng.
November 27, 2020
With Budget Approval, Malaysia’s PM Gains Some Breathing Room
By Sebastian Strangio
But more challenges loom on the horizon for Muhyiddin Yassin's fragile governing coalition.
November 26, 2020
Cambodia Begins Mass Trial of Dissidents, Opposition Figures
By Luke Hunt
The trials of the 129 defendants, many of them former members of a banned opposition party, could drag on for months.
November 26, 2020
What’s Next for Myanmar’s Military Proxy Party?
By Sebastian Strangio
After a dismal showing at this month's election, the army-backed USDP faces a long road back to respectability.
November 26, 2020
Manila Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, but Leaves Many Filipinos Out
By Nick Aspinwall
The Philippines aims vaccinate 60 to 70 million people over the next few years, falling short of an earlier promise made by President Duterte.
November 26, 2020
Indonesian Minister Arrested in Lobster Larvae Probe
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo shows that Indonesia's anti-corruption body is still a force to be feared.
November 26, 2020
Malaysia’s Top Glove Says Virus Outbreak May Push Prices up
By Associated Press
Top Glove produces about 90 billion rubber gloves a year, and exports to 195 countries.
November 25, 2020
As Protests Grow, Thailand’s Authorities Dust Off Royal Defamation Law
By Sebastian Strangio
This revival of lese-majeste law marks an escalation in the authorities’ campaign against rising pro-democracy protests.
November 25, 2020
Explaining Southeast Asia’s Addiction to the Death Penalty
By Sebastian Strangio
The region remains a global outlier in terms of the use of capital punishment.
November 25, 2020
Trump, Biden, and the Obstacles to ASEAN Neutrality
By Laura Southgate
In an era of growing superpower competition, ASEAN will face stiff challenges to its autonomy and neutrality.
November 24, 2020
Indonesia Passes Grim COVID-19 Milestone
By Sebastian Strangio
The country exceeded 500,000 cases right as international researchers were moving closer to an effective vaccine.
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