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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.
Will Cambodia Commit to Protecting Its Forests?
By Nith Kosal
Over the past two decades, Cambodia has lost 28 percent of its tree cover. Inaction will mean further losses.
Myanmar Court Sentences US Journalist to 11 Years in Jail
By Grant Peck
Danny Fenster, the managing editor of Frontier Myanmar, could face up to life in prison when additional charges are factored in.
Did COVID-19 Strengthen Authoritarianism in Southeast Asia?
By David Hutt
There doesn’t appear to be any clear correlation between how a government handled the pandemic and the waning of political freedom.
Cambodia Dismisses US Sanctions as ‘Politically Motivated’
By David Rising and Sopheng Cheang
While U.S. relations with Phnom Penh have long been frosty, new tensions relate to China's construction of facilities at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base.
What Was Thailand Doing at the COP26 Summit?
By Tita Sanglee
Thailand didn’t make bold climate commitments or sign key agreements reached at the conference. So why was Prayut in Glasgow?
Thai Court Says Calls for Royal Reform May be Seditious
By Grant Peck
The demand for reform of the monarchy is the most radical and controversial as the royal institution has rarely faced public scrutiny.
‘Battle Royale’ Begins for Melaka State Voters
By Alifah Zainuddin
The outcomes of the state polls will allow political parties to chart a clearer course ahead of the 15th General Election, including forming new alliances.
Indonesia’s COP26 Deforestation Pledge Kerfuffle, Explained
By James Guild
The Indonesian environment minister’s real misstep was that she punctured the illusion of progress by saying the quiet part out loud.
UN Says Over 3 Million in Myanmar Need ‘Life-Saving’ Aid
By Edith M. Lederer
Less than half of the $385 million required has been raised since the military coup.
As Chair of ASEAN, Hun Sen Warns of Crack Down on Protesters
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia faces a difficult year, but the prime minister says he “will do what it takes” to quell dissent.
UN Investigator: Crimes Against Humanity Under Myanmar Junta
By Edith M Lederer
Preliminary evidence shows that attacks on civilians are widespread, systematic and follow a pattern.
Singapore Urged Not to Hang Disabled Malaysian in Drug Case
By Eileen Ng
Nagaenthran K. Dharmalingam has been on death row since 2010 for drug smuggling. Activists say his execution would be “incredibly excessive.”