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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.

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New Myanmar Aid Corridor Aimed at Opening Dialogue, Thai Official Says

New Myanmar Aid Corridor Aimed at Opening Dialogue, Thai Official Says

By Sebastian Strangio
Despite a marked shift in the country's approach to its war-torn neighbor, a comprehensive political dialogue is unlikely – at least for now.
Cambodia Looks to the Future By Luring Back Western Investors

Cambodia Looks to the Future By Luring Back Western Investors

By Luke Hunt
The IMF sees significant downside risks as Cambodia slips on corruption index.

Malaysia Confirms Royal Pardon for Jailed Former PM Najib Razak

Malaysia Confirms Royal Pardon for Jailed Former PM Najib Razak

By Sebastian Strangio
The pardon, which halves the former leader's prison sentence from 12 to six years, could see him free ahead of the country's next general election.

Rights Groups Condemn Thailand’s Arrest of Cambodian Dissident Exiles

Rights Groups Condemn Thailand’s Arrest of Cambodian Dissident Exiles

By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of the three Cambodian dissidents came ahead of a state visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 7.

Royalist Lawyer Seeks Dissolution of Thai Opposition Party

Royalist Lawyer Seeks Dissolution of Thai Opposition Party

By Sebastian Strangio
The petition was filed a day after the Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party to stop advocating the reform of Thailand's harsh lese-majeste law.
The December 2023 Marawi Bombing and the Region’s Unending Terror Threat

The December 2023 Marawi Bombing and the Region’s Unending Terror Threat

By Jasminder Singh and Muhammad Haziq Jani
The deadly bombing of a Catholic Mass in Marawi City ended years of relative peace in Mindanao. It is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance.

Dissident Russian Rock Band Departs Thailand for Israel

Dissident Russian Rock Band Departs Thailand for Israel

By Sebastian Strangio
Moscow had requested the extradition of the group, whose members were detained for violating Thai immigration laws.
Myanmar Junta Again Extends State of Emergency Ahead of Coup Anniversary

Myanmar Junta Again Extends State of Emergency Ahead of Coup Anniversary

By Sebastian Strangio
With resistance forces gaining ground across the country, the military's plans to hold elections later this year are looking increasingly delusional.

Former Malaysian PM’s Prison Term Halved by Royal Pardon, Report Claims

Former Malaysian PM’s Prison Term Halved by Royal Pardon, Report Claims

By Sebastian Strangio
Former PM Najib Razak is currently serving a 12-year sentence for his involvement in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal.

Aren’t Cambodia’s Journalists Tired Of Being Spoken Down To?

Aren’t Cambodia’s Journalists Tired Of Being Spoken Down To?

By David Hutt
The country's government views the press as an adjunct of power.

Thai Court Says Move Forward Party Must Stop Trying to Change Royal Defamation Law

Thai Court Says Move Forward Party Must Stop Trying to Change Royal Defamation Law

By Jutarat Skulpichetrat
The Constitutional Court deemed it unconstitutional to advocate a change in the country’s lese majeste law. That is a central plank of Move Forward’s platform.
Indonesia Embraces New Thinking Amid Rice Crisis

Indonesia Embraces New Thinking Amid Rice Crisis

By Subejo
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, long-held traditions will need to be resurrected. Others will need to be abandoned.

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