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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.
Thailand Sends First Aid Shipment to Myanmar Along Controversial Humanitarian Corridor
By Sebastian Strangio
Critics say that the military junta's involvement in the aid program will prevent the assistance from reaching many of those most in need.
Indonesia Arrests 13 Soldiers in Investigation of Papua Torture Video
By Sebastian Strangio
The armed forces were forced to issue a rare apology after a video showing soldiers torturing a Papuan separatist fighter was posted online.
Myanmar Junta Begins Summoning Civilians for Military Service
By Sebastian Strangio
The conscription drive has prompted the assassination and resignation of junta administrators, and the flight of thousands of prospective draftees.
China Coast Guard Again Damages Philippine Boat Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The incident took place during the regular resupply of the Philippine outpost on Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
Myanmar and the Voices of a Revolution
By Luke Hunt
The Myanmar junta's conscription drive has backfired, bolstering the rebels' ranks.
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Leads ‘Prayer Rallies’ Against Charter Change
By Mong Palatino
As mid-term elections approach, the rift between the Duterte and Marcos clans continues to widen.
Thailand’s PM Misses the Forest for the Trees on the Country’s Pollution Problem
By Mark S. Cogan
Srettha Thavisin has pledged to tackle Thailand's horrific air pollution problem, but he needs to address the root of the problem.
Indonesia Rescues Dozens of Rohingya Refugees From Capsized Boat
By Sebastian Strangio
The rescue off the coast of Aceh underscores the extreme dangers that many refugees are exposing themselves to in order to find sanctuary abroad.
Vietnam’s Parliament Accepts President’s Resignation, Successor Remains Unclear
By Sebastian Strangio
Vo Van Thuong resignation comes barely a year after his appointment to the largely ceremonial post.
Indonesian Election Commission Affirms Prabowo’s Landslide Victory
By Sebastian Strangio
According to the official results released yesterday, the former general won around 58 percent of the vote on February 14.
Malaysia to Mull Emergency Bid to Host 2026 Commonwealth Games
By Sebastian Strangio
The Commonwealth Games Federation is frantically seeking replacements for the Australian state of Victoria, which pulled out of hosting last year due to spiraling costs.
Does Vietnam-Philippines Maritime Cooperation Offer a Template for the Region?
By Benjamin Blandin
While differences remain, the two nations are experiencing an increasing strategic convergence on the South China Sea.