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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’s Ream Naval Base Upgrade and Implications for Thailand
By Tita Sanglee
Should it eventuate, a Chinese naval presence on the Gulf of Thailand would place the country in a tricky position.
Thai Protest Leader Sentenced to 4 Years Prison for Royal Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
The case against Arnon Nampa is one of at least 257 lese-majeste cases that are currently working their way through the Thai judicial system.
Son of Indonesian President Takes Helm of Youth-Oriented Political Party
By Sebastian Strangio
The ascent of the political neophyte Kaesang Pangarep reflects long-standing dynastic patterns in Indonesian politics.
Philippines Says It Removed ‘Floating Barrier’ From Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard described China's installation of the barrier at Scarborough Shoal as "a clear violation of international law.”
Philippines Protests China’s Installation of Submerged Barrier at Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The "floating barrier" is intended to prevent Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a China-occupied feature in the South China Sea.
Environmentalists Under Attack in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
According to a new report by the watchdog Global Witness, the country remains the most dangerous place in Asia to be an environmental activist.
Does God Need To Be Defended By Law?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
An Indonesian influencer was this week sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy under the country's infamous Article 156a.
Criminal Justice Campaigns in Vietnam: From Legal Mobilization to Dissenting Collectivism?
By Do Hai Ha
In recent years, campaigns to save prisoners on death row have become more audacious in criticizing the country's authoritarian party-state.
Cambodian Opposition Activist Imprisoned For Passing Fraudulent Checks
By Sebastian Strangio
The case, which the opposition Candlelight Party has denounced as politically motivated, is another early sign that the new Cambodian administration will be much like its predecessor.
Thai Court Bans Progressive Politician From Political Office for Life
By Sebastian Strangio
Pannika Wanich, a former MP for the now-dissolved Future Forward Party, is accused of "ethical breaches" over Facebook posts she made more than a decade ago.
Civil Society Groups to Hold Climate Rally in Singapore
By Robin Vochelet
Several of the city-state’s NGOs are joining forces to highlight the overlap between climate and social justice, and the urgent need to address both.
Parallel Paths: The Shared Development Strategies of Narendra Modi and Joko Widodo
By Prem Singh Gill and Gerardus Rino Pradipta Yosari
Despite the obvious differences between them, the Indian and Indonesian leaders have strikingly similar backgrounds and policy objectives.