Blog
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 Sentences Environmental Advocate to 3 Years Prison
By Sebastian Strangio
Hoang Thi Minh Hong is the fifth climate activist to be sentenced to a lengthy prison term on tax-related charges over the past two years.
TikTok Says it Regrets Indonesia’s Decision to Ban E-commerce Sales on Social Media Platforms
By Edna Tarigan and Niniek Karmini
Indonesia banned goods transactions on social media platforms such as TikTok, accusing vendors of predatory pricing.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Triad of Critical Challenges
By M. Bakri Musa
The Malaysian prime minister is hoping that by tackling one challenge – corruption – he can make inroads into the other two.
Philippines Will Toughen South China Sea Stance, Admiral Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos' comments come two days after the Philippine Coast Guard removed a barrier that Chinese ships had installed at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Cambodia To Block Release of Chinese Cyber-Scam Film
By Sebastian Strangio
The Ministry of Culture claims that “No More Bets," which has topped the box office in China, could damage the country's reputation.
Chinese Tourists Have Good Reasons Not to Return to Southeast Asia
By Luke Hunt
Perhaps it’s not surprising that Vietnam wants out of the CLMV club.
UN Report Details Massive Scale of Southeast Asia’s ‘Scamdemic’
By Sebastian Strangio
The region's multibillion-dollar cyber-scam industry is being supported by "one of the largest coordinated trafficking in persons operations in history."
Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base Upgrade and Implications for Thailand
By Tita Sanglee
Should it eventuate, a Chinese naval presence on the Gulf of Thailand would place the country in a tricky position.
Thai Protest Leader Sentenced to 4 Years Prison for Royal Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
The case against Arnon Nampa is one of at least 257 lese-majeste cases that are currently working their way through the Thai judicial system.
Son of Indonesian President Takes Helm of Youth-Oriented Political Party
By Sebastian Strangio
The ascent of the political neophyte Kaesang Pangarep reflects long-standing dynastic patterns in Indonesian politics.
Philippines Says It Removed ‘Floating Barrier’ From Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard described China's installation of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal as "a clear violation of international law.”
Does God Need To Be Defended By Law?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
An Indonesian influencer was this week sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy under the country's infamous Article 156a.
Page 1 of 501