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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.
Ethnic Armed Group Claims Full Control of Myanmar’s Border With Bangladesh
By Sebastian Strangio
The Arakan Army says that it has captured the last remaining junta base in Maungdaw Township, after six months of fighting.
Cyberscamming is Southeast Asia’s Incurable Disease
By David Hutt
The region has experienced its share of criminality, but the recent explosion of online scam operations is both quantitatively and qualitatively different.
Coup Plot Dismissed in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Amid an escalating political feud, former President Rodrigo Duterte has called for military action against his successor's administration.
Indonesia, Philippines Agree to Repatriation of Filipina Drug Convict
By Sebastian Strangio
Mary Jane Veloso, 39, has been on death row in Indonesia since her arrest for heroin trafficking in 2010.
Thailand to Host ASEAN Talks on Myanmar Conflict This Month
By Sebastian Strangio
The December 20 meeting in Bangkok will seek a way through the thicket of Myanmar's intertwined conflicts.
Activists File Second Impeachment Complaint Against Philippine Vice President
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid her fiery feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., pressure is building for Congress to remove Sara Duterte from office.
Philippines, China Again Clash at Two Disputed South China Sea Shoals
By Sebastian Strangio
The confrontations at Scarborough and Sabina shoals indicate that Beijing has no intention of easing off on its pressure campaign in disputed waters.
In Singapore, the Hangman’s Noose is Growing Threadbare
By David Hutt
The government argues that capital punishment has been an effective deterrent for drug crimes. But is there any solid evidence for the claim?
Second Major Rebel Group Says It Is Ready For Talks With Myanmar Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army is a sign of China's growing efforts to shape the direction of the conflict in Shan State.
Cambodia Deportations Undermine Thailand’s UN Human Rights Council Credentials
By David Whitehouse
Thailand is becoming increasingly inhospitable to dissidents and anti-government activists from neighboring countries.
Vietnamese Court Upholds Death Sentence For Real Estate Tycoon
By Sebastian Strangio
Truong My Lan, 68, may be eligible for clemency if she is able to return at least 75 percent of the misappropriated assets.
How to Improve Road Safety in Indonesia
By Aine Kusumawati
Indonesia enacted stricter regulations after a traffic accident killed 54 people in 2003. But 20 years later, the roads are not getting any safer.