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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.
Politics, Energy, and Nationalism: Thailand and Cambodia’s Overlapping Maritime Claims
By William J. Jones
The two countries have agreed to resolve their outstanding claims in the Gulf of Thailand, but will be forced to negotiate their way around a host of nationalist tripwires.
Former Thai PM Visits Hometown Chiang Mai For First Time in 17 Years
By Sebastian Strangio
Thaksin Shinawatra's quasi-official reception will do little to damp down rumors that he remains the real power behind the Pheu Thai-led government.
President Marcos to Meet US Secretary of State Amid South China Sea Tensions
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine leader said that the meeting will address closer maritime cooperation between the U.S., the Philippines, and Japan.
Indonesia’s Anies Baswedan To File Election Complaint at Constitutional Court
By Sebastian Strangio
Both losing campaigns are now pursuing a range of complaints against the conduct of the February 14 poll.
Another Aircraft Incident Highlights Indonesia’s Shaky Aviation Safety Record
By Aisyah Llewellyn
Despite a string of fatal accidents, the country is struggling to improve safety standards in its aviation industry.
Thailand-EU Free Trade Pact On Track for Completion in 2025, Thai PM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Srettha Thavisin is acting as a roving economic salesman on state visits to France and Germany this week.
Southeast Asia’s Uncertain Global Outlook
By David Hutt
What would be more worrying for the region: a retreating United States, or an economically stagnant China?
Thai Election Commission Requests Dissolution of Move Forward Party
By Sebastian Strangio
If the MFP is disbanded, the party's political energy is almost certain to re-emerge in an alternate, and likely more radical, form.
Kachin Armed Resistance Group Claims Gains in Northern Offensive
By Sebastian Strangio
While the Kachin Independence Army's goal is unclear, a major offensive could have significant impact on the trajectory of the country's conflict.
Dancing into Power: The Successful Rehabilitation of Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto
By Teuku Harza Mauludi and Pius Fozan
How did an ex-general with such a controversial past manage to scale the pinnacle of Indonesian politics?
A Papal Tour to Normalize Relations Between Vietnam and the Vatican
By Luke Hunt
Both sides have promised not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs.
Will Prabowo’s Win Increase the Military’s Influence In Indonesian Politics?
By Nia Deliana and Moch Faisal Karim
The army's influence has been on the rise over the past decade. Will this continue under the ex-general's leadership?