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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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How Thai Civil Society Influenced the Outcome of the Senate Selection Process

How Thai Civil Society Influenced the Outcome of the Senate Selection Process

By Jittip Mongkolnchaiarunya
Civil society groups found creative ways to improve the quality of an election that has been described as “strange and undemocratic."
Residents Flee From Myanmar Military Garrison Town as Resistance Attack Looms

Residents Flee From Myanmar Military Garrison Town as Resistance Attack Looms

By Sebastian Strangio
Relatives of civil servants and military personnel are reportedly evacuating the scenic hill town of Pyin Oo Lwin, the location of the country's Defense Forces Academy.

Palm Oil Smallholders in Indonesia Need Government Help, Not Hindrance

Palm Oil Smallholders in Indonesia Need Government Help, Not Hindrance

By Tania Murray Li and Pujo Semedi
Indonesia’s independent oil palm farmers face myriad challenges, Reforms are needed so they can benefit from this profitable crop.

What’s Next for Thailand’s Disbanded Move Forward Party?

What’s Next for Thailand’s Disbanded Move Forward Party?

By Sebastian Strangio
The ex-party's leaders plan to reassemble under a new banner, but in the face of conservative opposition, their victory is far from inevitable.

Indonesia Faces Border Test as Local Election Season Approaches

Indonesia Faces Border Test as Local Election Season Approaches

By Curie Maharani and Andi Raihanah Ashar
As terrorist releases and deportations ramp up, Indonesia border forces face a tough challenge keeping the country safe amid substandard infrastructure.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court Dissolves Progressive Move Forward Party

Thailand’s Constitutional Court Dissolves Progressive Move Forward Party

By Associated Press
The ruling is part of a long war of attrition against the progressive opposition by conservative forces trying to maintain their grip on power.

Meta Apologizes to Malaysia for Deletion of PM’s Posts on Hamas Assassination

Meta Apologizes to Malaysia for Deletion of PM’s Posts on Hamas Assassination

By Sebastian Strangio
Kuala Lumpur has accused tech giants of censoring pro-Palestinian opinion since the beginning of the Gaza war on October 7.
Philippine Vice President Decries ‘Political Harassment’ Against Her Family

Philippine Vice President Decries ‘Political Harassment’ Against Her Family

By Mong Palatino
Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, are engaged in a political struggle with the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Fresh Reports Emerge of Rohingya Killings in Western Myanmar

Fresh Reports Emerge of Rohingya Killings in Western Myanmar

By Sebastian Strangio
Rohingya activists and local media reports say that civilians have been targeted by the Arakan Army in Maungdaw, a town close to the border with Bangladesh.

Thailand’s Move Forward Party Faces Dissolution, but Its Former Chief Remains Hopeful

Thailand’s Move Forward Party Faces Dissolution, but Its Former Chief Remains Hopeful

By Jerry Harmer and Jintamas Saksornchai
The Constitutional Court is set to hand down its ruling in a case that could result in the dissolution of the party, which won the most votes in last year's election.

Papuan Separatists Killed New Zealand Helicopter Pilot, Indonesia Says

Papuan Separatists Killed New Zealand Helicopter Pilot, Indonesia Says

By Sebastian Strangio
The report came as a separatist group said it was willing to release another pilot from New Zealand who was abducted in February 2023.
Why Vietnam Mourns: Understanding the National Grief for Nguyen Phu Trong

Why Vietnam Mourns: Understanding the National Grief for Nguyen Phu Trong

By Mai Truong
The late party chief was widely respected for his perceived incorruptibility and contribution to Vietnam’s political stability.

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