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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.
Malaysia, Philippines Discuss More ‘Flexible’ ASEAN Approach to Myanmar’s Military
By Sebastian Strangio
President Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim say that Southeast Asian governments should be allowed to engage the junta informally.
Cambodian PM Says He Will Step Down in 3 Weeks and His Son Will Succeed Him
By Sopheng Cheang
Hun Sen says that will relinquish the prime ministership on August 22, after more than 38 years in power.
Cambodia Hunting Down Opposition Activists Who Advocated Spoiling Ballots
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite winning 120 of the 125 seats in parliament, the ruling CPP is cracking down on even minor gestures of dissent.
Is It Really Wrong For Two Dogs To Get Married?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
A lavish canine wedding briefly became national news in Indonesia, raising questions about how social media outrage shapes journalistic coverage.
Thai Parliamentary Speaker Indefinitely Postpones Next Prime Ministerial Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The two houses of Parliament were due to convene on July 27, but will now await a Constitutional Court ruling questioning the blocked renomination of MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat.
Marcos Adopts New Philippine Government Branding
By Mong Palatino
The change “calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government," but critics say the reforms are no more than skin-deep.
Thailand’s Democrat Party: Gone and Almost Forgotten?
By Tita Sanglee
Formerly a bastion of conservative Thai politics, the rudderless party has been excluded from talks aimed at forming the next government.
Prabowo Gains Ground Ahead of Indonesia’s Presidential Election
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite his checkered past, the defense minister is commanding surprisingly strong support from young Indonesians.
In State of Union Speech, Marcos Pledges to Defend Philippine Territory
By Sebastian Strangio
The Philippine leader did not mention China by name, but his comments were a clear reference to the growing frictions in the South China Sea.
Ex-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Joins the Party as Cambodian Election Observer
By David Whitehouse
The former leader’s presence is part of a longer trend of election “observers” who apply a stamp of approval to flawed electoral processes.
US Announces Visa Bans, Aid ‘Pause’ After Flawed Cambodian Election
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement has raised doubts about a potential diplomatic reset between Phnom Penh and Washington.
As Expected, Hun Sen Trumps in One-Sided Cambodian Election
By Luke Hunt
Leader’s eldest son to become prime minister within “three to four weeks.”