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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.
Cambodia Confirms CPP’s Landslide Victory in Commune Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Hun Sen's party won nearly three-quarters of the vote in an election marred by claims of vote-buying and intimidation.
Philippines Nixes Joint Maritime Resource Exploration Talks With China
By Sebastian Strangio
In 2018, Manila and Beijing began talks on the joint exploration of offshore oil and gas resources in disputed areas of the South China Sea.
‘Just a Maid’: Report Highlights Emotional Abuse of Migrant Domestic Workers in Singapore
By Sebastian Strangio
Workers, most of them from the Philippines, reported being subject to threats, intimidation, and invasion of privacy.
Indonesia Confirms President Jokowi’s Trip to Russia, Ukraine
By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that the Indonesian leader will visit the two warring nations "in the spirit of peace."
Myanmar Junta Moves Aung San Suu Kyi Trial to New Prison Facility
By Sebastian Strangio
The ousted leader's transfer came as the military administration's defense minister attended an ASEAN meeting in Cambodia.
In Laos, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh Is In Trouble
By David Hutt
Since he took the reins last year, the country's economy has entered a downward economic spiral with no clear end in sight.
Thailand Sees Fresh Surge of Refugees, Migrants from Myanmar: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
A Thailand-based NGO claims that Thai police have detained nearly 20,000 people trying to cross the border in the last five months alone.
China’s Growing ‘Twiplomacy’ in Indonesia
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat
Despite being banned inside China, Twitter is broadening Chinese diplomats' engagements with the Indonesian public.
Leading Thai Opposition Figure Charged With Royal Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
Piyabutr Saengkanokkul is the second former leader of the banned Future Forward Party to be charged under Section 112 of the Criminal Code.
A Depleted River Scores a World Record Catch
By Luke Hunt
Giant Mekong stingray weighs in at 300-kilograms – and helps solve a mystery.
Sara Duterte-Carpio Sworn in as Philippines’ Vice President
By Sebastian Strangio
The inauguration of the vice president-elect, the daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, follows her landslide victory at last month's election.
Indonesia’s President Jokowi to Visit Russia, Ukraine: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The leader will seek to convince President Vladimir Putin to permit the export of Ukrainian wheat amid worrying global shortages.