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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.
The Changing Nature of the Singaporean Presidency
By Edmund Lim
Since the city-state's independence in 1965, the office has undergone a number of significant evolutions.
Thailand’s Election Body Opens Investigation Into Move Forward Leader
By Sebastian Strangio
The probe will assess whether Pita Limjaroenrat registered for last month’s election knowing that he could be disqualified for the ownership of shares in a defunct media company.
Indonesia to Host ASEAN’s First Military Drill in South China Sea
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia, however, has denied reports of a joint exercise in the South China Sea.
Fears About Migrant Workers in Thailand Unfounded, Cambodian PM Admits
By Sebastian Strangio
Following earlier comments from the Cambodian leader, Thailand's Move Forward Party denied it had any policy of expelling migrant workers from the country.
Indonesia, Malaysia Sign Border Agreements, Pledge Joint Action on Palm Oil
By Sebastian Strangio
President Joko Widodo and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim signed a number of important agreements during a meeting in Putrajaya yesterday.
A Missing Boat of 180 Rohingya Refugees Symbolizes the World’s Apathy
By Kristen Gelineau
Human rights advocates say what happened to those on board is the latest example of political inaction and global apathy: Governments ignore the Rohingya because they can.
Leader of Thailand’s Move Forward Party Says He Disposed of Controversial Media Shares
By Sebastian Strangio
MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat now faces a host of complaints from conservative activists seeking to prevent him from forming the country's next government.
Philippine Court Denies Bail to Prominent Duterte Critic
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision came after Leila De Lima was acquitted on the second of three politically motivated drug cases last month.
Thailand Cuts Power Supply to Criminal Hub After Request From Military Junta
By Sebastian Strangio
The military's move to cut off power to Shwe Kokko, a center of scam operations and online gambling, follows pressure from high-ranking Chinese officials.
Malaysia Wins Court Battle Over $15 Billion Sulu Heirs Award
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling by the French Court of Appeal questioned the jurisdiction of Spanish arbitrator Gustavo Stampa, who ordered last year's eye-watering payout.
India Apprehended American, Canadian Nationals Crossing Border Into Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
While it was difficult to ascertain if foreign nationals were inside anti-junta training camps, The Diplomat identified three people from India, Thailand, and the U.S. outside camps at different locations.
Thailand Kicks off Pride Month With Massive Parade in Bangkok
By Robin Vochelet
This year’s Pride Parade brought into the spotlight Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who reaffirmed his support for the country’s LGBTQ community.