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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.
How Indonesia’s Green Energy Push Will Impact the Country’s Coal-mining Communities
By Media Wahyudi Askar
Jakarta needs to ensure that the dozens of villages reliant on the coal mining economy are not left behind by its renewable energy transition.
Thai Parliament Picks Veteran Politician as Speaker Ahead of PM Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
Wan Muhamad Noor Matha was the compromise candidate after the two largest opposition parties failed to agree who should occupy the important post.
Vietnam Nixes ‘Barbie’ Release Over South China Sea Map
By Sebastian Strangio
The upcoming film is the latest to fall afoul of the country's censors for depicting a map containing China's "nine-dash line" maritime claim.
Timor-Leste’s Independence Hero Xanana Gusmao Returns to Power as PM
By Gantry Meilana
In parliamentary elections in May, the veteran leader capitalized on widespread discontent with the outgoing Freitilin government.
Indonesian President Begins Three-Day State Visit to Australia
By Sebastian Strangio
Cooperation on EV manufacturing and regional tensions are likely to dominate discussions between Joko Widodo and Anthony Albanese.
Vietnam Calls for Tech Giants to Use AI to Remove ‘Anti-State’ Content
By Sebastian Strangio
The demand marks a further incremental tightening of the state's control over the online sphere.
Thai Opposition Parties Settle Dispute Over House Speaker Role
By Sebastian Strangio
The Pheu Thai Party has reportedly agreed to the Move Forward Party taking the role of house speaker, in exchange for the two deputy house speaker posts.
Cambodian PM’s Account Deactivated After Meta Oversight Board Ruling
By Sebastian Strangio
The Cambodian leader has responded by ordering the closure of his Facebook account and migrating to Telegram and TikTok.
Myanmar Junta’s Drug Trafficking Links
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Efforts by the former NLD government to check drug trafficking through enhanced surveillance seem to have been abandoned after the coup.
Meta Watchdog Calls for Suspension of Cambodian Leader’s Facebook Account
By Sebastian Strangio
The firm's independent Oversight Board said that a January speech by PM Hun Sen, in which he threatened to "beat up" his opponents, violated its policy on violence and incitement.
Is Cambodia’s New Election Amendment Actually About ‘Pardoning’ Exiled Opposition Leaders?
By David Hutt
Changes to election laws will give Prime Minister Hun Sen added room for maneuver as he prepares to hand power to his son, Hun Manet.
Thai Court Acquits Protesters of Threatening Queen’s Motorcade
By Sebastian Strangio
The case was a rare example of moderation in a case involving the sensitive subject of the Thai monarchy.