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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.
Dissident Russian Rock Band Departs Thailand for Israel
By Sebastian Strangio
Moscow had requested the extradition of the group, whose members were detained for violating Thai immigration laws.
Myanmar Junta Again Extends State of Emergency Ahead of Coup Anniversary
By Sebastian Strangio
With resistance forces gaining ground across the country, the military's plans to hold elections later this year are looking increasingly delusional.
Former Malaysian PM’s Prison Term Halved by Royal Pardon, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
Former PM Najib Razak is currently serving a 12-year sentence for his involvement in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal.
Aren’t Cambodia’s Journalists Tired Of Being Spoken Down To?
By David Hutt
The country's government views the press as an adjunct of power.
Thai Court Says Move Forward Party Must Stop Trying to Change Royal Defamation Law
By Jutarat Skulpichetrat
The Constitutional Court deemed it unconstitutional to advocate a change in the country’s lese majeste law. That is a central plank of Move Forward’s platform.
Indonesia Embraces New Thinking Amid Rice Crisis
By Subejo
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, long-held traditions will need to be resurrected. Others will need to be abandoned.
Ahead of Coup Anniversary, Myanmar Resistance Groups Release Political Roadmap
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Unity Government and three allies have released the most detailed plan yet for what would follow the collapse of the military regime.
Will Thailand Deport a Group of Dissident Musicians to Russia?
By Mark S. Cogan
Unfortunately for the members of the rock group Bi-2, Thailand has a history of accommodating the requests of authoritarian governments.
Billionaire Sultan Ibrahim of Johor Sworn in as Malaysia’s King
By Eileen Ng
The Western-educated sultan is the 17th person to serve as king under the country's unique rotational monarchy.
Vietnam, Philippines Sign Agreements on Maritime Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreements come at a time of intensifying tension in waters claimed by China and the Philippines.
Ex-Philippine Leader Duterte Accuses Marcos of Plotting to Tighten His Grip on Power
By Jim Gomez
The rivalry between the two leaders has broken into the open amid mutual accusations of drug abuse.
How Southeast Asia Responded to Taiwan’s Election
By Bunly Ek
With a couple of exceptions, the region has been cautious, careful to preserve its beneficial economic relationship with both Taipei and Beijing.