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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.
How Is Southeast Asia’s Balancing Strategy on Ukraine Faring?
By Xirui Li
As Russia's war grinds on, the region's governments are coming under increasing pressure to get off the fence.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Says His Father Was Not a Dictator
By Mong Palatino
In a soft-ball interview with his goddaughter, the new Philippine leader has defended his family's controversial legacy.
Indonesia Still Considering Purchases of Russian Oil, Minister Says
By Sebastian Strangio
But Jakarta is likely to weigh carefully the domestic political benefits of cheap oil against possible international blowback.
Myanmar Junta Sentences Journalist to 3 Years Prison
By Sebastian Strangio
Htet Htet Khine presented a popular Burmese-language television program produced by BBC Media Action.
Will Cambodia’s PM Hun Sen Resign Next Year?
By David Hutt
There are numerous signs that the long-planned transition of power from the prime minister to his son may happen sooner rather than later.
Cambodia Opens Third Mass Trial of Opposition Activists
By Sebastian Strangio
The 37 defendants are accused of "incitement to treason" over an opposition politician's failed attempt to return to Cambodia from exile in early 2021.
Myanmar Junta Chief Airs Postponement of Sham Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The military government is pinning its political hopes on a state-managed election next year, but it is unclear if it can be held in the current political conditions.
Thai Constitutional Court to Rule on PM’s Tenure on Sept. 30
By Sebastian Strangio
Whatever its decision, the outcome will do little to undermine the control of Thailand's royal-military establishment.
Philippine President Marcos Promises to Dial Back Deadly Drug War
By Sebastian Strangio
The leader promised to emphasize education and rehabilitation, but repeated that he would not cooperate with an ICC probe into extrajudicial killings.
The World Must Respond to Myanmar’s Civil War Rather Than Its Coup
By David Hutt
In the midst of a nationwide struggle, many foreign governments are still acting as if the country can return to its previous "democratic" path.
Thai Political Activist Jailed for Mocking, Impersonating Queen
By Sebastian Strangio
Jatuporn Saeoueng was convicted of insulting Queen Suthida by impersonating her at a demonstration in October 2020.
ASEAN Urged to Intervene Over Human Trafficking
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have been cited as key trafficking destinations by victims' groups.