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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.
Thai Army Repatriates Around 260 Scam Victims From Eastern Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok has taken a number of recent measures to clamp down on the cyberfraud operations in the border region.
As the World Celebrates Valentine’s Day, Has Indonesia Lost Its Loving Feeling?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite being embraced by the young, the country's religious authorities have long viewed it as a potentially corrupting influence.
Vietnam’s ‘Era of National Rise’ and the Risk of Imperial Overreach: Lessons from 1975
By Khang Vu
Despite its growing prosperity and ambition, the country still has to tread a careful line between larger regional and global powers.
A Crime Scene Near a Bangkok Monastery
By Sribala Subramanian
A political killing in the royal district occurred during peak tourist season.
Thailand Promises Further Measures Against Scam Operations in Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Thai authorities say they are requesting arrest warrants for three leaders of an ethnic Karen militia believed to be harboring online scam syndicates.
The Contradictions of Religion and Politics in Southeast Asia
By David Hutt
The Pew Research Center's recent survey on "religious nationalism" throws up as many questions as it answers.
The Continued Threat of Online Radicalization in Malaysia
By Rueben Dass
Social media and the internet continue to be a pivotal part of the modus operandi of extremist networks operating in the country.
Campaigning Begins in Philippine Mid-term Election Amid Vice-Presidential Impeachment Drama
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week's impeachment of Sara Duterte has added an extra weight of political significance to the 12 Senate seats up for election.
Philippines on Cusp of Major Defense Pacts with New Zealand, Canada
By Sebastian Strangio
The planned visiting forces agreements reflect Manila's efforts to broaden and deepen its defense partnerships in the face of growing Chinese pressure.
Economic Corridors: One Way Forward For US Engagement in Southeast Asia
By Narupat Rattanakit
While free trade has become politically infeasible in Washington, there are other ways to shore up the U.S. presence in one of the world's fastest-growing regions.
Philippine Vice President Duterte Vows to Fight Impeachment
By Sebastian Strangio
Sara Duterte said that it was too early to consider resigning, which would preempt the impeachment and preserve her ability to run for office in future.
ASEAN Dithers as Scam Syndicates in Myanmar Bypass Thai Energy Cuts
By Luke Hunt
Lao power, generators, and smuggled diesel continue to power the region's organized crime.