Blog
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.
Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong Resigns Amid Anti-corruption Campaign
By Aniruddha Ghosal
Vo Van Thuong is the second Vietnamese president to resign in two years.
Vietnamese Prosecutors Demand Death Penalty for Alleged Graft Mastermind
By Sebastian Strangio
Truong My Lan, the head of a Ho Chi Minh City-based real estate group, has been accused of the biggest fraud in the country’s history
What Southeast Asia’s Aging Populations Could Mean Politically
By David Hutt
Could aging societies lead to more political polarization and upheaval?
How Thailand’s ‘One of a Kind’ Defense Minister Will Be Remembered
By Tita Sanglee
Unlike like most past defense chiefs, Sutin Klungsang is a civilian politician with virtually no experience in security matters.
Biden to Host Summit With Japan’s Kishida and Philippines’ Marcos
By Sebastian Strangio
The trilateral summit, which will be held in Washington on April 11, comes at a time of increasing tension in the western Pacific.
It’s a Family Affair as Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
The return of the Shinawatra clan in Thailand has delivered a fillip to relations between Bangkok and Phnom Penh.
Vietnamese Parliament to Discuss ‘Personnel Issues’ This Week, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The news has added fuel to rumors about the resignation of President Vo Van Thuong, following the cancellation of a visit by the Dutch royal family.
Guardrails For the South China Sea
By Sribala Subramanian
A top U.S. diplomat hopes the Senate will ratify a maritime treaty.
Thai Parliament Set to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage By Year’s End, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
A same-sex marriage amendment has passed its first reading in the country's House of Representatives.
Last Flights Out of Sittwe
By Naw Theresa
As resistance forces move within striking distance of the capital of Rakhine State, many of its inhabitants are seeking a way out.
Thai Court Announces Another Harsh Prison Sentence Under Royal Insult Law
By Sebastian Strangio
The 25-year jail term came just days after the Election Commission ordered the disbanding of a major opposition party for advocating the reform of the lese-majeste law.
Vietnam and the Art of Choosing
By Khang Vu
Far from "refusing to choose" in its foreign relations, the country has been canny at deciding when – and where – to partner with more powerful countries.