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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.
Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai Agree to Form Thailand’s Next Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact between the two parties, which came in second and third in May's general election, could spell an end to Thailand's protracted post-election deadlock.
Cambodia’s King Officially Appoints Hun Manet Prime Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The 45-year-old son of long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen will take office on August 22, pending a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Manila Bay Reclamation Under Review Over Environmental and China Concerns
By Mong Palatino
The U.S. embassy in Manila has raised concerns about the involvement of a blacklisted Chinese firm in the ongoing projects.
Philippines Blasts China For ‘Dangerous Maneuvers’ Near Disputed Shoal
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that a Chinese vessel used a high-powered water cannon in order to prevent the resupply of the Philippine forces stationed on Second Thomas Shoal.
Even a Neutral Indonesia Could Get Dragged Into a China-US War
By Abdul Rahman Yaacob
Indonesia could unwittingly be drawn into great-power military conflict due to its strategic location, especially if a China-U.S. clash happens in Indonesian waters.
Chinese Workers in Indonesia Need Protection, Too
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
Much public attention has focused on the plight of Indonesian workers employed in Chinese-owned enterprises. But a new report shows that Chinese nationals face many of the same challenges.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen Says He Will Remain Power Behind the Throne
By Sebastian Strangio
The outgoing leader said that he may be obliged to retake the prime ministership in the event of instability or in-fighting.
Thai Political Deadlock to Drag on as Prime Ministerial Vote Delayed – Again
By Sebastian Strangio
The vote has been postponed until after the Constitutional Court rules on an appeal by the Move Forward Party against lawmakers’ decision to block its leader from being renominated as prime minister.
Incoming Cambodian PM Hun Manet Burdened With Human Trafficking Challenge
By Luke Hunt
As the country's leader prepared to hand over power to his son, Indonesian police made arrests connected to an Cambodia-based organ harvesting ring.
Indonesian School Head Charged With Blasphemy Over Unorthodox Teachings
By Sebastian Strangio
Panji Gumilang, 77, heads a school where women are allowed to preach and pray alongside men.
How Vietnam’s Infrastructure Incapacity Undermines Its Geoeconomic Ambitions
By To Minh Son
The lack of progress on the 555-kilometer railway linking Vung Ang to the Lao capital Vientiane contrasts starkly with the recently completed Kunming-Vientiane line.
Move Forward Leaves Coalition Aiming to Form Thailand’s Next Government
By Sebastian Strangio
The split has had an air of inevitability, given the conservative opposition to the MFP's progressive policy agenda.