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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.
Malaysian Authorities Seize ‘Pride’ Watches in Raids on Swatch Outlets
By Sebastian Strangio
The May 13-14 raids stem from the religious right's growing attack on LGBTQ symbols and expression.
Timor-Leste’s Opposition Party Wins Most Seats in Parliamentary Election
By Gantry Meilana
The CNRT won 31 out of 65 seats in the National Parliament, putting leader Xanana Gusmao in strong position to form a governing coalition.
Thailand’s Desire For Change Runs Deeper Than the Election Results
By Jittip Mongkolnchaiarunya
The outcome of the polls on May 14 was built on years of painstaking efforts by the country's civil society organizations.
Cambodia’s Hun Sen Accuses Western Diplomats of Supporting Opposition
By Sebastian Strangio
Since the 1990s, accusations of foreign interference have occupied a privileged position in the Cambodian leader's rhetorical arsenal.
Thai Opposition Coalition Unveils 23-Point Policy Platform
By Sebastian Strangio
The pact enshrines many of the Move Forward Party's most ambitious reforms, but does not include its plans to amend the lese-majeste law.
Massacre in Myanmar’s Kalay Jail
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
A quarrel between prison guards and inmates culminated in a massacre that killed nine inmates, an eyewitness told The Diplomat.
Philippine Vice President Resigns From Ruling Party Over ‘Political Toxicity’
By Sebastian Strangio
Sara Duterte's resignation from Lakas-CMD followed the demotion of her ally, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the House of Representatives.
Gulf States’ Growing Aid Diplomacy in Indonesia
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
As the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is receiving increased attention from the wealthy states of the Middle East.
Why Did Thailand’s Move Forward Party Win Big in Phuket?
By Tita Sanglee
The island, a traditional stronghold of conservative and military-aligned parties, has fallen to Pita Limjaroenrat's orange wave.
Key Thai Youth Activist Group Plans Senate Protest
By Sebastian Strangio
The United Front of Thammasat and Demonstration stated that the Move Forward Party's victory "must not be ruined" by the military-appointed Senate.
Arakan Rebel Government Takes Lead in Myanmar Cyclone Recovery
By Kyaw Hsan Hlaing
The efforts of the United League of Arakan to aid the survivors of Cyclone Mocha will further entrench its influence and control in Rakhine State.
Vietnam Criticizes China, Philippines For South China Sea Activities
By Sebastian Strangio
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson accused the two nations of "violating the sovereign rights and jurisdictions of Vietnam" in separate recent incidents.