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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.
Cambodia Sets Up Working Group to Scrutinize Granting of Honorific Title
By Sebastian Strangio
The 'oknha' title encapsulates the tight political pact between the ruling CPP and the Cambodian business community.
Myanmar Military-Appointed Election Chief to Consider Dissolving National League for Democracy
By Associated Press
The party of now-detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi won huge majorities in 2015 and 2020. Now it might be banned by the junta.
Thailand’s Prison Overcrowding Crisis Exacerbated by COVID-19
By Gloria Lai
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, prisons in Thailand were already in a state of crisis. Reform is long overdue.
Key Cambodian Opposition Figure Defects From Banned CNRP
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Hun Sen's strategy for fracturing the opposition is slowly bearing fruit.
Singapore Rebukes US Embassy Over LGBT Rights Event
By Sebastian Strangio
The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs carried echoes of the "Asian values" debate of the 1990s.
Ahead of Vietnam’s One-Party Elections, the State Punishes Online Calls for Democracy
By Tessa Weal
To secure its monopoly on power, the Communist Party bends the rules, bans the competition, and dominates the digital landscape.
COVID-19 Continues to Spread in Vietnam’s North
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnam's outbreak highlights the fact that victories against the coronavirus are fragile and easily reversed.
Thais Killed by Rocket in Israel Part of Large Workforce
By Grant Peck
Israel hosts the second largest numbers of overseas Thai workers after Taiwan.
Reports Expose Myanmar Junta’s Planned Internet Stranglehold
By Sebastian Strangio
Even if successful, the military's internet plans will deepen its political isolation and economic dysfunction.
Philippine President Imposes Cabinet Gag Order Over South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The move follows strong condemnations from senior ministers, including an expletive laden tweet from Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin.
Duterte Threatens ‘All-Out Offensive’ After More Violence in Mindanao
By Nick Aspinwall
A recent spike in clashes is threatening a fragile peace between the Philippine government and Moro Muslims in Mindanao.
Report Says Myanmar Internet a ‘Virtual Battlefield’
By Elaine Kurtenbach
The Myanmar military is developing an "intranet" for inside the country that allows mobile access only to approved, or "whitelisted" applications.