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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.
Taiwan Frets for ‘Thousands’ Trafficked Into Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
Taiwan joins the chorus of regional countries expressing concerns about human trafficking in Cambodia, where reports are rife of enslavement, beatings, torture, and being resold.
Why Is Household Debt in Thailand So High?
By James Guild
COVID-19 exacerbated the situation, but high levels of household debt are a structural feature of the Thai economy that predates the pandemic.
Myanmar Executions Revive Pressure for More Sanctions
By Elaine Kurtenback
The U.S. Senate is inching toward passage of the Burma Act, which would pave the way for sanctions on Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).
Ex-Malaysian PM Najib Begins Final Appeal Against 1MDB Conviction
By Sebastian Strangio
Lawyers for the former leader are seeking to have the case thrown out on the grounds that a trial judge had a conflict of interest.
Vietnam’s High-Speed Railway is Back on the Agenda
By Sebastian Strangio
The project was rejected a decade ago due to its eye-watering cost. Are things any different now?
Philippine Senator Tackles Long-Standing Sabah Claim
By Mong Palatino
A recent French court ruling has pushed the territorial dispute back onto the country's political agenda.
Report Claims 38 Singapore-Based Firms Supplying Myanmar’s Military
By Sebastian Strangio
In a new report, Justice For Myanmar names 116 companies that are supplying arms to the Tatmadaw, including 38 from the city-state.
Vietnam Takes Major Step Forward in Recognizing LGBTQ Rights
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's Health Ministry has instructed doctors to stop treating homosexuality as a disease, and to cease discrimination in medical care.
Malaysian FM Again Pushes for Talks With Myanmar Opposition
By Sebastian Strangio
The time between now and the ASEAN Summit in November could be crucial in shaping the bloc’s approach toward the crisis in Myanmar.
The Taiwan Crisis Could Spill Over Into Southeast Asia
By Huynh Tam Sang
The current intensification of U.S.-China tensions will undoubtedly be felt in the region, placing Southeast Asian governments in a tricky position.
Former Workers Sue Multinational Firms Over Alleged Malaysian Labor Abuses
By Sebastian Strangio
Ansell Ltd and Kimberly-Clark Corp are accused of "knowingly profiting" from the use of trafficked labor by a key Malaysian supplier.
The Myanmar Military’s Roadmap to Survival
By Amara Thiha
A recent major speech by SAC Chairman Min Aung Hlaing laid out three areas of priority for the besieged military administration.