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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.
New Cabinet Finalized and Awaits King’s Approval, Thai PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The new cabinet line-up has not been officially announced, but is likely to feature a mix of continuity and change.
Philippine Officials Rescue 162 in Raid on Suspected Cyberscam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
Several Southeast Asian governments have launched crackdowns on online fraud operations. Is an end to the region’s cyber-scam epidemic in sight?
Cambodia’s CLV-DTA Crackdown Shows Vietnam Is Still the Elephant in the Room
By David Whitehouse
Phnom Penh is acutely sensitive to any suggestion that the country is ceding land and sovereignty to its eastern neighbor.
Timor-Leste Celebrates 25th Anniversary of UN-backed Vote for Independence
By Gantry Meilana
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres – who, while prime minster of Portugal, was heavily involved in the international effort to resolve the crisis in Timor-Leste – attended the celebrations.
Indonesia’s Africa Outreach: Principle or Pragmatism?
By Allan Dharma Saputra
The upcoming Indonesia-Africa Forum will serve as a litmus test for the viability of Indonesia’s Africa strategy.
Indonesian Authorities to Question President’s Son Over Private Jet Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
Kaesang Pangarep, 29, has come under fire for taking a lavish overseas trip while protests erupted on the streets of Indonesia's cities.
Recalibrating the Laos-Vietnam Special Relationship For the 21st Century
By Nguyen Thanh Giang and Nguyen The Phuong
The two neighbors share deep historical, political, and geographic affinities, but these risk being weakened by the shifting regional balance of power.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Invites Former Arch-Rival to Join Coalition
By Sebastian Strangio
In the latest wild swing in Thai political allegiances, the conservative Democrat Party has been invited to join Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government.
After China, Vietnam’s New Leader To Lam Is Off To America
By David Hutt
To Lam is expected to travel next month to New York for the U.N. General Assembly, a trip that could also include meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Former Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin Charged With Sedition
By Sebastian Strangio
The former leader, who heads the opposition Perikatan Nasional coalition, allegedly criticized a former king during an election campaign speech.
Rakhine Armed Group Responsible for Rohingya Massacre, Rights Organization Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Arakan Army's involvement in the August 5 massacre and other attacks on Rohingya civilians has raised thorny question for Myanmar's resistance movement.
Fugitive Philippine Mayor May Be Bound for Golden Triangle, Investigators Say
By Sebastian Strangio
The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission claims that Alice Guo and her family "are part of a big criminal organization.”