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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.
At Least 120 Killed as Myanmar Endures Another Dark Weekend
By Sebastian Strangio
The bloodshed came as the Tatmadaw marked the Armed Forces Day holiday with parades and banquets.
Suicide Bomb Hits Palm Sunday Mass in Indonesia, Wounding 20
By Yusuf Wahil and Niniek Karmini
The bombing was the first major attack since in Indonesia since a series of suicide attacks on churches in Surabaya in 2018.
A Philippine Plebiscite That Rebuked President Duterte and China
By Mong Palatino
Voters' rejection of a plan to subdivide the island of Palawan into three provinces has been hailed as a victory against oligarchy and foreign encroachment.
Laos’ Austerity Fantasies Reveal the Communist Party’s Weaknesses
By David Hutt
Ballooning external debt and growing fiscal deficits augur political storm clouds for the ruling LPRP.
Singapore Joins Calls for Emergency ASEAN Summit on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
The growing weight of outside expectation suggests that a special ASEAN meeting is likely to go ahead in the coming weeks.
Philippines Deploys More Patrol Ships Amid Rift With China
By Jim Gomez
Manila is beefing up its "maritime sovereignty patrols" in the disputed South China Sea.
US Government to Sanction Military-Linked Myanmar Conglomerates: Report
By Sebastian Strangio
MEC and MEHL control a vast network of companies that channel profits into the Tatmadaw's coffers.
Amid Legal Crackdown, Thai Protest Movement Regains Momentum
By Sebastian Strangio
After a period of hiatus, and amid a concerted legal offensive, the student-led protests are beginning to revive.
Myanmar Junta Frees Hundreds Held for Anti-Coup Protests
By Associated Press
The releases came as activists declared a "silence strike," calling on people to remain indoors and for businesses to close.
Singapore, Malaysia Mull Cooperation on Vaccine Certifications
By Sebastian Strangio
Mutual recognition of the two nations' COVID-19 vaccine certificates could pave the way for a regional certification process.
Fire Devastates Large Swathe of Rohingya Refugee Camp
By Sebastian Strangio
The fire is a harrowing reminder of the vulnerable position of Rohingya refugees, as their country descends into political crisis.
A Beauty Pageant Stirs Southeast Asia’s Political Pot
By Luke Hunt
Miss Grand Cambodia has been rebuked for her "no politics" approach – and for eating while talking.