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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.
Myanmar Rebels on Verge of Seizing Key Border Town, Group Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
If confirmed, the surrender of the military garrison in Myawaddy on the Thai border would mark another serious defeat for the junta.
Myanmar’s Intensifying Conflict Taking Massive Rights Toll: UN
By Edith M. Lederer
According to the global body, 18.6 million people in Myanmar will need humanitarian assistance in 2024 – a nineteen-fold increase since the 2021 coup.
Former Malaysian PM Seeks to Serve Remaining Prison Term Under House Arrest
By Sebastian Strangio
Najib Razak claims that the authorities have concealed the existence of a royal order permitting him to serve his remaining sentence at home.
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘Gentleman’s Agreement’ with China Under Scrutiny
By Mong Palatino
Did the former president broker an informal deal with the Chinese government over the South China Sea?
Myanmar Resistance Forces Launch Drone Attack on Capital
By Sebastian Strangio
The daring kamikaze drone attack did not cause much damage, but its political significance cannot be underestimated.
How Will the Prabowo Administration Approach Indonesian Energy Policy?
By Aldwin Yusgiantoro
The new administration will take office at a crucial point in the country's energy transition.
Thai Police to Investigate Deputy Chief Accused of Links to Online Gambling
By Sebastian Strangio
Deputy Police Chief Surachate Hakparn has been accused of money laundering in connection with an illegal online gambling operation.
Thai Constitutional Court Accepts Petition Seeking Dissolution of MFP
By Sebastian Strangio
The opposition Move Forward Party seems almost certain to meet the same fate as its predecessor, Future Forward.
From Cribs to Cabinets: The Apparent Surge of ‘Nepo Babies’ in Thai Politics
By Tita Sanglee
The country has long been governed by a galaxy of interconnected political clans.
Prabowo Pledges Closer Ties With Japan Following China Visit
By Sebastian Strangio
The Indonesian president-elect's back-to-back visits to China and Japan point to a continuation of his predecessor's pragmatic foreign policy.
Thailand’s Bid for a Seat on the UN Human Rights Council is Poorly Timed
By Mark S. Cogan
The diplomatic push has not been matched by sufficient improvements in the country's own human rights record.
Is Southeast Asia Really Turning Toward China?
By Sebastian Strangio
The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s latest survey of elite opinion showed declining support for the U.S., but the picture is complicated.