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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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Thailand’s PM Misses the Forest for the Trees on the Country’s Pollution Problem

Thailand’s PM Misses the Forest for the Trees on the Country’s Pollution Problem

By Mark S. Cogan
Srettha Thavisin has pledged to tackle Thailand's horrific air pollution problem, but he needs to address the root of the problem.
Indonesia Rescues Dozens of Rohingya Refugees From Capsized Boat

Indonesia Rescues Dozens of Rohingya Refugees From Capsized Boat

By Sebastian Strangio
The rescue off the coast of Aceh underscores the extreme dangers that many refugees are exposing themselves to in order to find sanctuary abroad.

Vietnam’s Parliament Accepts President’s Resignation, Successor Remains Unclear

Vietnam’s Parliament Accepts President’s Resignation, Successor Remains Unclear

By Sebastian Strangio
Vo Van Thuong resignation comes barely a year after his appointment to the largely ceremonial post.

Indonesian Election Commission Affirms Prabowo’s Landslide Victory

Indonesian Election Commission Affirms Prabowo’s Landslide Victory

By Sebastian Strangio
According to the official results released yesterday, the former general won around 58 percent of the vote on February 14.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong Resigns Amid Anti-corruption Campaign

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong Resigns Amid Anti-corruption Campaign

By Aniruddha Ghosal
Vo Van Thuong is the second Vietnamese president to resign in two years.
Malaysia to Mull Emergency Bid to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Malaysia to Mull Emergency Bid to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games

By Sebastian Strangio
The Commonwealth Games Federation is frantically seeking replacements for the Australian state of Victoria, which pulled out of hosting last year due to spiraling costs.

Vietnamese Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Alleged Graft Mastermind

Vietnamese Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Alleged Graft Mastermind

By Sebastian Strangio
Truong My Lan, the head of a Ho Chi Minh City-based real estate group, has been accused of the biggest fraud in the country’s history
Does Vietnam-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Offer a Template for the Region?

Does Vietnam-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Offer a Template for the Region?

By Benjamin Blandin
While differences remain, the two nations are experiencing an increasing strategic convergence on the South China Sea.

What Southeast Asia’s Aging Populations Could Mean Politically

What Southeast Asia’s Aging Populations Could Mean Politically

By David Hutt
Could aging societies lead to more political polarization and upheaval?

How Thailand’s ‘One of a Kind’ Defense Minister Will Be Remembered

How Thailand’s ‘One of a Kind’ Defense Minister Will Be Remembered

By Tita Sanglee
Unlike like most past defense chiefs, Sutin Klungsang is a civilian politician with virtually no experience in security matters.

Biden to Host Summit With Japan’s Kishida and Philippines’ Marcos

Biden to Host Summit With Japan’s Kishida and Philippines’ Marcos

By Sebastian Strangio
The trilateral summit, which will be held in Washington on April 11, comes at a time of increasing tension in the western Pacific.
It’s a Family Affair as Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Cambodia

It’s a Family Affair as Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Cambodia

By Sebastian Strangio
The return of the Shinawatra clan in Thailand has delivered a fillip to relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.

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