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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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After Swearing-in, Thailand’s New Government Announces Policy Focus

After Swearing-in, Thailand’s New Government Announces Policy Focus

By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra says she will focus on reviving the economy, but this depends on surviving in office long enough to implement her policies.
Fugitive Philippine Pastor Surrenders to Police After Long Manhunt

Fugitive Philippine Pastor Surrenders to Police After Long Manhunt

By Sebastian Strangio
Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "son of God," is wanted for sex trafficking and child abuse in both the Philippines and the United States.

Time is Running Out For Victims of Thailand’s Tak Bai Massacre

Time is Running Out For Victims of Thailand’s Tak Bai Massacre

By Christian Wells
A Thai court has accepted a case against officials for their role in the 2004 massacre in the country's Deep South – but justice is far from assured.

Indonesia Deports Fugitive Philippine Mayor Accused of Involvement in Cyberscams

Indonesia Deports Fugitive Philippine Mayor Accused of Involvement in Cyberscams

By Sebastian Strangio
The extradition brings an end to a months-long manhunt for Alice Guo, the primary subject of a Senate investigation into online gaming and scam operations.

Cambodia’s Leader Says Arrested Protesters Were Trying to Overthrow the Government

Cambodia’s Leader Says Arrested Protesters Were Trying to Overthrow the Government

By Sopheng Cheang
The government has arrested an estimated 94 people for protesting an economic agreement with Vietnam and Laos.
Indonesia Arrests Fugitive Philippine Mayor Wanted Over Scam Operations

Indonesia Arrests Fugitive Philippine Mayor Wanted Over Scam Operations

By Jim Gomez and Edna Tarigan
Alice Guo is the subject of a Senate investigation into her links to illegal gaming operations, human trafficking, and money laundering.

Indonesians Rejoice as Pope Francis Visits

Indonesians Rejoice as Pope Francis Visits

By Aisyah Llewellyn
The Indonesian public have been taken with the pontiff since his arrival in the country, the first visit to Indonesia by a Pope in 35 years.
Pope Francis Must Talk About Sexual Abuse Allegations in Timor-Leste

Pope Francis Must Talk About Sexual Abuse Allegations in Timor-Leste

By David Hutt
The deeply Catholic country is struggling to come to terms with historic cases of child rape by Catholic clergy.

Myanmar’s Border Trade With China and Thailand Has Collapsed

Myanmar’s Border Trade With China and Thailand Has Collapsed

By Sebastian Strangio
Ethnic armed groups opposed to the military now control trade routes accounting for 91 percent of the country's overland trade with China.

Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election

Myanmar Announces Census as Prelude to Long-Delayed Election

By Sebastian Strangio
Due to the security situation, a comprehensive census, let alone a multiparty election, will remain a remote prospect for the foreseeable future.

Philippine Legislators Defer Approval of Vice President’s Budget

Philippine Legislators Defer Approval of Vice President’s Budget

By Mong Palatino
After clashing with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Sara Duterte is being subject to fresh scrutiny in the House of Representatives.
Thailand’s Foreign Policy Is Inherently Undervalued

Thailand’s Foreign Policy Is Inherently Undervalued

By Tita Sanglee
In the discussions over Thailand's new cabinet, there has been a curious silence about foreign policy.

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