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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.
Thai Court Says Move Forward Party Must Stop Trying to Change Royal Defamation Law
By Jutarat Skulpichetrat
The Constitutional Court deemed it unconstitutional to advocate a change in the country’s lese majeste law. That is a central plank of Move Forward’s platform.
Indonesia Embraces New Thinking Amid Rice Crisis
By Subejo
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, long-held traditions will need to be resurrected. Others will need to be abandoned.
Ahead of Coup Anniversary, Myanmar Resistance Groups Release Political Roadmap
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Unity Government and three allies have released the most detailed plan yet for what would follow the collapse of the military regime.
Will Thailand Deport a Group of Dissident Musicians to Russia?
By Mark S. Cogan
Unfortunately for the members of the rock group Bi-2, Thailand has a history of accommodating the requests of authoritarian governments.
Billionaire Sultan Ibrahim of Johor Sworn in as Malaysia’s King
By Eileen Ng
The Western-educated sultan is the 17th person to serve as king under the country's unique rotational monarchy.
Vietnam, Philippines Sign Agreements on Maritime Security Cooperation
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreements come at a time of intensifying tension in waters claimed by China and the Philippines.
Thailand-China Railway Project Should Be Expedited, Chinese FM Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The high-speed rail line, which would connect Bangkok to a recently completed line in Laos, has been hampered by delays.
Ex-Philippine Leader Duterte Accuses Marcos of Plotting to Tighten His Grip on Power
By Jim Gomez
The rivalry between the two leaders has broken into the open amid mutual accusations of drug abuse.
How Southeast Asia Responded to Taiwan’s Election
By Bunly Ek
With a couple of exceptions, the region has been cautious, careful to preserve its beneficial economic relationship with both Taipei and Beijing.
Former Malaysian Finance Minister Latest to be Charged in Corruption Probe
By Sebastian Strangio
Daim Zainuddin, a former close associate of ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad, has been accused of failing to declare millions of dollars worth of assets.
Myanmar, South China Sea Conflicts Top Agenda as ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meet
By David Rising
The foreign minister of Laos, this year’s ASEAN chair, expressed cautious optimism about the potential for progress in 2024.
Myanmar Junta Sends Representative to ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
Marlar Than Htaik, the permanent secretary of the junta's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is attending this week's two-day retreat in Laos.