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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.
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.
Thai Military Announces Plan to Slash Generals, Streamline Forces
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week's announcement may be an attempt to preempt the military reforms promised by the progressive Move Forward Party following its election victory.
Managing ASEAN’s Growing Myanmar Challenge
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The grouping faces rising pressure to tackle a new phase of an issue that has consumed it for decades.
Asian Synthetic Drug Trade Continues to Surge, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Regional methamphetamine seizures dropped slightly in 2022, according to the U.N., but other indicators suggest that the supply "has remained very high or unchanged."
Singapore’s Role in the Effective Enforcement of Russian Fuel Sanctions
By Margaret Lin
The city-state was the one Southeast Asian nation to impose sanctions on Russia, but its enforcement of sanctions compliance has left much to be desired.
Factional Politics After Thailand’s Election: Survive or Decline
By Punchada Sirivunnabood
The Move Forward Party's victory dealt a blow against the politics of patronage, but it may be too soon to write it off.
Vietnam Arrests Another Environmentalist on Tax Evasion Charges
By Sebastian Strangio
Hoang Thi Minh Hong is the fifth environmental activist to be arrested for evading taxes over the past two years.
Will Thailand’s Move Forward Party Give Up on Lese-Majeste Reform?
By David Hutt
Even if it puts off amending the royal defamation law for now, change is probably inevitable given shifts in public attitudes toward the monarchy.