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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 Workers Return Home From Gaza After 15 Months in Captivity
By Sebastian Strangio
Of the 31 Thai agricultural workers captured by Hamas in October 2023, just one remains in captivity.
Malaysia ‘Strongly Opposes’ Forced Resettlement of Palestinians From Gaza
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's government has been among the staunchest critics of Israel's attacks on Gaza.
Thailand and China Should Deepen Relations Amid ‘Unprecedented Changes’, Xi Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese leader also thanked visiting Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her government's actions against online scamming compounds in Myanmar.
Some Thoughts On Sara Duterte’s Impeachment
By David Hutt
Ahead of mid-term elections in May, Philippine politics seems destined to be consumed by the Marcos-Duterte feud.
Vietnam’s Bureaucratic ‘Revolution’ Falls Short of True Reform
By Hai Hong Nguyen
Communist Party chief To Lam's project of institutional renovations stops short of the highest echelons of power.
Malaysian Government Moves to Block Ex-PM Najib’s House Arrest Bid
By Sebastian Strangio
The Attorney General's Chambers is seeking to challenge an Appeal Court decision that ruled in favor of imprisoned former leader Najib Razak last month.
Philippine Lawmakers Vote to Impeach Vice President Sara Duterte
By Sebastian Strangio
The vote marks the culmination of a bitter feud between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Why Cambodia Has Started Distancing Itself From Vietnam
By Rim Sokvy and Olivia Zeiner-Morrish
Since taking office in 2023, Prime Minister Hun Manet has consistently trod the path laid out by his father – with one notable exception.
Thailand Cuts Electricity to Scam Sanctuaries Across Myanmar Border
By Sebastian Strangio
The measures were announced on the eve of PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's state visit to China, during which she is set to discuss anti-scam efforts with Xi Jinping.
British Environmental Journalist Blocked From Re-entering Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
The government's decision to void the visa of Gerry Flynn, 33, reflects the increasingly straitened circumstances of the Cambodian media.
Should the Philippines Replicate Indonesia’s Nickel-based Industrialization?
By Alvin Camba
In recent years, Jakarta has supercharged the mining and processing of the mineral, but the progress has come at a heavy cost.
Philippines Declares Food Security Emergency to Bring Down Rice Prices
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite slashing a tariff on imported rice last year, retail prices of the staple remain stubbornly high.