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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.
Tin Oo, Former General and Founder of Myanmar’s NLD, Dies at 97
By Sebastian Strangio
During his long career, Tin Oo played important roles on both sides of the struggle between the military and the pro-democracy movement.
Why the EU’s Deforestation-Free Regulation Is Not Working in Southeast Asia
By Lauren Mai
Indonesia and Malaysia, which account for 85 percent of global palm oil production, have reacted with hostility to the EU's new regulation.
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: Thailand’s Bid to Join BRICS
By Olivia Tan
Bangkok is hedging its bets, and fully seizing all the opportunities that multilateralism presents.
In Timor-Leste, Activists Voice ‘Solidarity’ for Myanmar as Conflict Worsens
By Fritzie Rodriguez
At a public hearing hosted by the country's national human rights institution this week, local and regional activists called for greater action to address the intensifying crisis.
Cambodia to Break Ground on Contentious Canal Project in August
By Sebastian Strangio
In a speech yesterday, Prime Minister Hun Manet said that his government would not afford to "wait for anybody," and would fund the $1.7 billion project itself.
Indonesian Court Again Makes Controversial Tweak to Election Rules
By Sebastian Strangio
The Supreme Court ruling will pave the way for President Joko Widodo's youngest son to run in the Jakarta gubernatorial election on November 27.
Thai Cabinet Formally Approves Bid For BRICS Membership
By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok says that membership would help boost the country's global economic and political profile.
Philippines Vows to Protect Filipino Fishermen Amid Chinese Fishing Ban
By Sebastian Strangio
The annual ban comes at a time of growing tension between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea.
Former Thai PM Thaksin to be Charged With Royal Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact between Thaksin's camp and the royalist establishment, which allowed the former leader to return from self-exile last year, may be starting to fray.
How Timorese Women Perceive the Election of Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia
By Maria Manuela Leong Pereira and Li-Li Chen
While Dili has publicly welcomed the former general's election, other Timorese -- particularly women -- want justice for his role in past atrocities.
Asian Synthetic Drug Production Continued to Grow in 2023, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Last year saw East and Southeast Asian governments seize 190 tons of methamphetamine, the largest amount ever recorded in a single year.
Jemaah Islamiyah Is Not Back After Malaysia Attack
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The recent attack on a police station in Johor State bears all the hallmarks of a lone-wolf attack.