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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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Reformist Independent Scores Decisive Win in Bangkok Governor Election

Reformist Independent Scores Decisive Win in Bangkok Governor Election

By Sebastian Strangio
Chadchart Sittipunt's victory points to the deep reservoir of discontent with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's military-backed coalition government.
Timor-Leste Celebrates Independence Anniversary, New Leader

Timor-Leste Celebrates Independence Anniversary, New Leader

By Gantry Meilana
Former independence fighter Jose Ramos-Horta has pledged to fight poverty and bridge long-standing political divides.

Philippine Election Marred by Violence, Vote-Buying: Monitoring Mission

Philippine Election Marred by Violence, Vote-Buying: Monitoring Mission

By Sebastian Strangio
The report's findings hint at the extent to which Philippine democracy has deteriorated under President Rodrigo Duterte.

Indonesia to Scrap Controversial Palm Oil Export Ban

Indonesia to Scrap Controversial Palm Oil Export Ban

By Sebastian Strangio
President Jokowi claims that the country now has enough domestic supplies of cooking oil to control runaway price rises.

Thailand’s Evolving Defense Relations With Japan

Thailand’s Evolving Defense Relations With Japan

By Tita Sanglee
For years, Japan and Thailand have enjoyed close relations in all areas bar one: defense. That is beginning to change.
Indonesian Farmers Protest Falling Palm Oil Prices Amid Export Ban

Indonesian Farmers Protest Falling Palm Oil Prices Amid Export Ban

By Sebastian Strangio
Intended to control soaring domestic cooking oil prices, the Indonesian government's ban has had a series of unintended consequences.

Thai Archival Find May Resolve Fate of Missing WWII US Flyer

Thai Archival Find May Resolve Fate of Missing WWII US Flyer

By Jerry Harmer and Tassanee Vejpongsa
The P-38 plane is believed to have crashed after being struck by lightning in November 1944.
Australia to Downgrade Diplomatic Representation in Myanmar: Report

Australia to Downgrade Diplomatic Representation in Myanmar: Report

By Sebastian Strangio
Canberra is the latest government to downgrade its diplomatic mission to the military-ruled country.

History Education and the Politics of Identity in a Globalizing Vietnam

History Education and the Politics of Identity in a Globalizing Vietnam

By To Minh Son
Conservatives fear that a recent decision to make history a high school elective will erode the "national consciousness" of the young.

Activists Seek Supreme Court Intervention to Head Off Marcos Presidency

Activists Seek Supreme Court Intervention to Head Off Marcos Presidency

By Sebastian Strangio
The petition claims that the son of the former dictator should have been barred from the election due to a past conviction for tax evasion.

Malaysian FM Meets With Counterpart from Myanmar Opposition Movement

Malaysian FM Meets With Counterpart from Myanmar Opposition Movement

By Sebastian Strangio
The meeting could mark a turning-point in the bloc's approach to the ongoing conflict in its errant member-state.
Is the Biden Administration Serious About ‘ASEAN Centrality’?

Is the Biden Administration Serious About ‘ASEAN Centrality’?

By Xirui Li
The term is used constantly, but there still seems to be little substance to U.S. interactions with the regional body.

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