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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.
Why Did Cambodia Finally Decide to Make the SEA Games Free?
By David Hutt
The timing of the decision suggests that it followed attempts by old guard politicians to squeeze as much profit out of the Games as possible.
Cambodia Deports 19 Japanese Cybercrime Scam Suspects
By Sopheng Cheang
The 19 were taken into custody in the southern city of Sihanoukville on January 24.
Indonesian High-Speed Railway to Begin Operations in August: Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
The $7.2 billion project, a key part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, will be officially opened on Indonesia's independence day.
Malaysia Clarifies South China Sea Policy Following PM’s Comments
By Sebastian Strangio
The ongoing maritime disputes have become grafted onto the bitter political rivalry between the Malaysian leader and opposition leader Muhyiddin Yassin.
How Thailand’s Upcoming Election May Alter Its Foreign Policy
By Arin Chinnasathian and Karen Lee
Thai citizens will be faced with a choice between the current stagnant approach, and a more modern, relevant, and adaptive foreign policy.
Thousands Flee Myanmar Amid Heavy Fighting Around Shwe Kokko
By Luke Hunt
Casino targeted as displaced civilians find sanctuary in Thailand.
Vietnam Set to Prosecute 54 Officials Over Repatriation Flight Scandal
By Sebastian Strangio
Among those accused of giving or soliciting bribes are former high-ranking members of the government, party, and security apparatus.
Comprehending Timor-Leste’s Delayed Accession to ASEAN
By Mabda Haerunnisa Fajrilla Sidiq
For 11 years, ASEAN member states have advanced a number of rationales for delaying the admission of the region's youngest nation.
US to Host Top Philippine Officials For Third 2+2 Ministerial Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
This is the first such meeting to take place since late in the administration of President Benigno Aquino III.
Vietnam, Israel Conclude Negotiations for Free Trade Pact
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreement, which will be signed later this year, coincides with the 30th anniversary of relations between the two countries.
Defamation Trial Against Indonesian Activists Opens in Jakarta
By Sebastian Strangio
Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti are on trial for defaming the powerful minister Luhut Pandjaitan by accusing him of conflicts of interest in relation to a Papuan mining operation.
A Maturing Pragmatism in Indonesia-Singapore Relations
By Mustafa Izzuddin
Despite the twists and turns in their nations' ties, Joko Widodo and Lee Hsien Loong will leave things much better than they found them.