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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.
Papuan Rebel Group Says It Is Willing to Release Abducted New Zealand Pilot
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement hinted at disagreements within the separatist movement, which could complicate Philip Mehrtens' release.
Thai Government and Southern Separatists Agree to New Plan to End Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
After a hiatus in peace talks due to last year's Thai election, the two sides "are willing to put pen on paper," the Malaysian mediator said yesterday.
Cambodia’s Former PM Sues Rights Activist For Defamation
By Sebastian Strangio
The lawsuit, filed on Monday, is the latest sign that the country's rolling political crackdown is continuing under its new-look leadership.
Detained Former Thai PM Could Face Royal Defamation Charge, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Thaksin Shinawatra has been informed about a lese-majeste complaint claiming that he insulted the monarchy in a 2015 interview in South Korea.
How Indonesia Can Better Conserve Sumatra’s Peatland Forests
By Mohammad Yunus
The current approach isn't working. The government needs to align its efforts with the economic needs of local communities.
New Myanmar Aid Corridor Aimed at Opening Dialogue, Thai Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite a marked shift in the country's approach to its war-torn neighbor, a comprehensive political dialogue is unlikely – at least for now.
New Cambodian PM to Depart on First State Visit to Thailand
By Sebastian Strangio
Hun Manet's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will focus on economic cooperation and border issues, according to the two governments.
Cambodia Looks to the Future By Luring Back Western Investors
By Luke Hunt
The IMF sees significant downside risks as Cambodia slips on corruption index.
Malaysia Confirms Royal Pardon for Jailed Former PM Najib Razak
By Sebastian Strangio
The pardon, which halves the former leader's prison sentence from 12 to six years, could see him free ahead of the country's next general election.
Rights Groups Condemn Thailand’s Arrest of Cambodian Dissident Exiles
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of the three Cambodian dissidents came ahead of a state visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 7.
Royalist Lawyer Seeks Dissolution of Thai Opposition Party
By Sebastian Strangio
The petition was filed a day after the Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party to stop advocating the reform of Thailand's harsh lese-majeste law.
The December 2023 Marawi Bombing and the Region’s Unending Terror Threat
By Jasminder Singh and Muhammad Haziq Jani
The deadly bombing of a Catholic Mass in Marawi City ended years of relative peace in Mindanao. It is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance.