Blog
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.
Why Should I Mourn the Death of Nguyen Phu Trong?
By David Hutt
Absent in many eulogies for the late Communist Party chief was any recognition of the scores of government critics whose lives were ruined during his time in power.
Thailand’s Paetongtarn Shinawatra Sworn in as Prime Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The biggest challenge facing the young leader is the perception that she will serve as a mere proxy for her father Thaksin Shinawatra.
Political Rivals Trade Barbs Over Drug Issues in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
An ICC investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war has been drawn into the political struggle between the Duterte and Marcos clans.
Indonesia Strikes Gold in Paris
By Sribala Subramanian
A focus on niche sports paid off for Jakarta at the 2024 Olympics.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Selected as Thailand’s Next Prime Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The 37-year-old will become the youngest PM in Thailand's history, and the third member of her family to lead the country.
Vietnamese Court Sentences Prominent Political Activist to Five Years Prison
By Sebastian Strangio
Nguyen Chi Tuyen, aka Anh Chi, has become the latest dissenter to be persecuted for criticizing the Communist Party online.
Chinese FM Meets Myanmar’s Junta Chief Amid Resistance Offensives
By Sebastian Strangio
China continues to work with the military junta, but ties between Beijing and Naypyidaw are fraying amid the ongoing conflict.
Myanmar’s Rebel Militias Redeploy Towards Mandalay
By Luke Hunt
Anti-regime forces aim to take the former royal capital by year's end.
With PM’s Dismissal, Thailand’s ‘Network Monarchy’ Strikes Back
By Sebastian Strangio
The Constitutional Court's unseating of Srettha Thavisin has once again plunged the country into political uncertainty.
Banning Reformist Parties Won’t Stop Move for Change in Thailand
By Voranai Vanijaka
Things may get worse after Thailand’s Move Forward Party dissolution, but they vow to fight on.
Would You Pay Someone To Write Your University Thesis?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In Indonesia, the use of "joki," or writers-for-hire, is a long-standing – and mostly normalized – practice among university students.
UN Increases Food Provisions to Rohingya Refugee Camps in Bangladesh
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement by the World Food Programme is welcome news, but underscores the apparent intractability of the Rohingya refugee crisis.