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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.
Philippines Allows ‘Barbie’ Film Screening Amid ‘9-Dash-Line’ Controversy
By Mong Palatino
The move followed a decision by Vietnamese censors to bar the distribution of the film for allegedly depicting the Chinese maritime claim.
Southeast Asian Nations Renew Alarm Over Myanmar Violence. But Diplomats Can’t Settle On a Solution
By Niniek Karmini and Jim Gomez
Nearly two-and-a-half years into the crisis caused by the military takeover, ASEAN remains more divided than ever.
Thailand’s Move Forward Party Leader Pita Falls Short in Parliamentary Vote for Prime Minister
By Grant Peck and Jintamas Saksornchai
The inconclusive finish to Thursday’s voting sets the stage for another ballot, which is expected next week.
Malaysia Announces Arrest of Another 1MDB Fugitive
By Sebastian Strangio
Jasmine Loo, a former lawyer for the ill-fated state investment fund, is a close associate of Jho Taek Low, the alleged ringleader of the 1MDB scandal.
Thai FM Says He Met With Aung San Suu Kyi on Secret Myanmar Mission
By Sebastian Strangio
Don Pramudwinai reportedly described the secret meeting as a breakthrough. It is more accurate to view it as a setback.
Thailand’s Election Commission Says Top PM Candidate May Have Broken Election Law
By Jinatamas Saksornchai and Grant Peck
The announcement comes just a day before Parliament is set to convene and vote to select the country's next prime minister.
Prayut Has Retired, but His Undemocratic Legacy Will Live On
By Mark S. Cogan
During his nine years in power, the general turned Thailand’s judiciary, and its Constitutional Court in particular, into a weapon for advancing and safeguarding conservative interests.
Laos, Cambodia Urge US Not to Send Cluster Munitions to Ukraine
By Sebastian Strangio
The two nations were heavily bombed by the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s, and remain seriously impacted by unexploded cluster bombs.
Indonesia Warns Nuclear Weapons Put Southeast Asia a ‘Miscalculation Away’ From Disaster
By Edna Tarigan and Niniek Karmini
Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged nuclear weapons states to join ASEAN's regional nuclear-free zone.
Is Vietnam’s Economic Blip a Blessing in Disguise?
By David Hutt
The current stagnation could shock the ruling Communist Party into putting economic policy back into sensible hands.
Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha Announces Retirement From Politics
By Sebastian Strangio
The former general steps down nine years after coming to power in the military coup of 2014.
Funcinpec Touted as a Chance for Seats in Cambodian Election
By Luke Hunt
Can the royalists end Cambodia’s status as a one-party-state?