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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.
COVID-19 Testing Scam Hits Indonesian Airport
By Harsh Mahaseth
Those involved have gained as much as $125,000 from washing and reusing nasal test swabs.
Shades of South Vietnam in US Troop Withdrawal From Afghanistan
By Luke Hunt
The impending U.S. withdrawal could leave Afghanistan vulnerable to a fresh takeover by the Taliban.
Myanmar Junta Labels Shadow Government ‘Terrorists’
By Sebastian Strangio
The designation never bodes well for the possibility of peaceful resolution to a crisis.
Myanmar Coup Forced Sharp Downturn in Business: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
The first two months of the crisis wrought more damage to Myanmar's economy than a year of COVID-19.
Malaysian Cabotage Policy Agitates Old Wounds in the Country’s East
By Tharishini Krishnan
Malaysia's burdensome maritime regulations have put the question of autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak back on the agenda.
Thai Government Readies Legal Shackles for Civil Society
By Sebastian Strangio
If passed, the law will be used to target organizations deemed to threaten Thailand's entrenched political elite.
Duterte Orders Arrest of Quarantine Violators After Taking Unauthorized Vaccine
By Nick Aspinwall
The Philippines president received the unapproved Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
Can Myanmar’s New ‘People’s Defense Force’ Succeed?
By Sebastian Strangio
The force is intended as a prelude to the eventual establishment of a Federal Union Army to battle the military junta.
Under Military Rule, Myanmar Has Retreated to the Keypad Phone Age
By Aika Sato
Given the protest movement's reliance on social media, the military junta has begun executing random smartphone spot checks.
Trio of Cambodian Youth Imprisoned for Environmental Activism
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent years, the environmental group Mother Nature has become a major irritant for Prime Minister Hun Sen's government.
Indonesia Deploys Forces to Troubled Papua Region
By Sebastian Strangio
The uneasy region seems set for another cycle of military crackdowns and separatist counter-attacks.
Medical Workers Targeted in Myanmar’s Post-Coup Crisis
By Brian Elmore
The country's political and economic troubles are being shadowed by a looming public health crisis.