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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 Can Better Conserve Sumatra’s Peatland Forests
By Mohammad Yunus
The current approach isn't working. The government needs to align its efforts with the economic needs of local communities.
New Myanmar Aid Corridor Aimed at Opening Dialogue, Thai Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite a marked shift in the country's approach to its war-torn neighbor, a comprehensive political dialogue is unlikely – at least for now.
New Cambodian PM to Depart on First State Visit to Thailand
By Sebastian Strangio
Hun Manet's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will focus on economic cooperation and border issues, according to the two governments.
Cambodia Looks to the Future By Luring Back Western Investors
By Luke Hunt
The IMF sees significant downside risks as Cambodia slips on corruption index.
Malaysia Confirms Royal Pardon for Jailed Former PM Najib Razak
By Sebastian Strangio
The pardon, which halves the former leader's prison sentence from 12 to six years, could see him free ahead of the country's next general election.
Rights Groups Condemn Thailand’s Arrest of Cambodian Dissident Exiles
By Sebastian Strangio
The arrest of the three Cambodian dissidents came ahead of a state visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet on February 7.
Royalist Lawyer Seeks Dissolution of Thai Opposition Party
By Sebastian Strangio
The petition was filed a day after the Constitutional Court ordered the Move Forward Party to stop advocating the reform of Thailand's harsh lese-majeste law.
The December 2023 Marawi Bombing and the Region’s Unending Terror Threat
By Jasminder Singh and Muhammad Haziq Jani
The deadly bombing of a Catholic Mass in Marawi City ended years of relative peace in Mindanao. It is a reminder of the need for continued vigilance.
Dissident Russian Rock Band Departs Thailand for Israel
By Sebastian Strangio
Moscow had requested the extradition of the group, whose members were detained for violating Thai immigration laws.
Myanmar Junta Again Extends State of Emergency Ahead of Coup Anniversary
By Sebastian Strangio
With resistance forces gaining ground across the country, the military's plans to hold elections later this year are looking increasingly delusional.
Former Malaysian PM’s Prison Term Halved by Royal Pardon, Report Claims
By Sebastian Strangio
Former PM Najib Razak is currently serving a 12-year sentence for his involvement in the multibillion-dollar 1MDB corruption scandal.
Aren’t Cambodia’s Journalists Tired Of Being Spoken Down To?
By David Hutt
The country's government views the press as an adjunct of power.