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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.
Cannabis Crunch: Thailand’s Sudden Reversal on Marijuana Legalization
By Prem Singh Gill
The country is tightening its laws on marijuana use, just 18 months after becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize the drug.
Singapore’s Ex-Transport Minister Charged With 27 Offenses, Including Corruption
By Sebastian Strangio
The graft case against S Iswaran is the first against a Singaporean cabinet member in nearly four decades.
Thai Activist Gets More Prison Time For Insulting King
By Sebastian Strangio
Arnon Nampa, a prominent leader of the mass protests of late 2020, faces 14 charges under the country's draconian lese-majeste law.
Thai Prison Officials Again Defend Treatment of Jailed Former PM
By Sebastian Strangio
Amid claims of preferential treatment, the Department of Corrections says that its refusal to refer to Thaksin Shinawatra as an "inmate" is standard practice.
China Warns Philippines Over President Marcos’ Taiwan Remarks
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese Foreign Ministry claimed that the Philippine leader's message of congratulation to Lai Ching-te was "a serious violation of the One China principle."
Philippine President Congratulates Lai Ching-te on Election as Taiwan’s President
By Sebastian Strangio
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement, which is sure to irk Beijing, reflects Manila's recent moves toward greater unofficial engagement with Taipei.
Philippines to Upgrade South China Sea Outposts, Military Chief Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Desalination machines and communications upgrades are slated for the nine features that Manila occupies in the contested waterway.
Is Vietnam Entering Uncharted Waters?
By Carl Thayer
The recent prolonged absence of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong raised the question of how the Communist Party might deal with a leader's incapacitation or death.
Cambodian PM Sacks City Mayor Amid Firings and Demotions
By Luke Hunt
Diplomats posted to Phnom Penh expect the new leader's bureaucratic shake-out to continue.
Indonesian President Discusses Maritime Tensions, Economy on Vietnam Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo's state visit came in the middle of a Southeast Asian tour that also involved stops in the Philippines and Brunei.
Myanmar Military Breaks China-Brokered Ceasefire, Resistance Groups Say
By Sebastian Strangio
The collapse of the agreement brokered in Kunming on Friday demonstrates the limits of Chinese influence in northern Myanmar.
Southeast Asia Likes Polarization – and That’s Not a Bad Thing
By David Hutt
The region's problem is not that there is too much political contestation, but rather that there is not enough.