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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, US Reveal Sites of Four Additional EDCA Facilities
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. military will be granted access to three additional military facilities in the northern Philippines, and one on the island of Palawan in the South China Sea.
Malaysian Parliament Votes to End Mandatory Death Sentence
By Sebastian Strangio
While the government has stopped short of full abolition, the decision could save the lives of some of the 1,300 people currently on death row.
Cambodian PM Tells Foreign Countries to Choose
By Luke Hunt
Have Western embassies been told to consider closing?
Malaysian Court Refuses Former PM’s Bid For 1MDB Verdict Review
By Sebastian Strangio
The Federal Court rejected Prime Minister Najib Razak's request, with a judge describing him as "the author of his own misfortunes."
What the Dissolution of the NLD Means For Myanmar’s Conflict
By Sebastian Strangio
Aside from further embittering the population toward the military junta, the disbanding of the former ruling party is unlikely to have much impact on Myanmar's downward trajectory.
Mining, Oil Spill, Military Bases Threaten Philippine Islands
By Mong Palatino
News about anti-mining protests and a massive oil spill reflects the rising concern about the rapid destruction of island ecosystems across the Philippines.
Myanmar’s Resilient Revolution
By Gerard McCarthy
Non-state welfare is playing a crucial role in sustaining the country’s democratic struggle.
Members of Exiled Chinese Church Detained in Thailand
By Tian Macleod Ji and David Rising
Members of the Shenzhen Holy Reformed Church, also called the Mayflower Church, came to Thailand in 2022 seeking asylum.
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Hambali?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
More than 20 years after the Bali bombings in which he allegedly played a central role, nobody quite knows what to do with a man once seen as Southeast Asia's most wanted terrorist.
Hun Sen Announces Free Tickets for Southeast Asian Games
By Luke Hunt
The Cambodian leader has also said that broadcast rights will also be free, ending a standoff with Thailand.
In Cambodia, You Are Instructed To Love Your Abuser
By David Hutt
Prime Minister Hun Sen wants his people to adore him for not treating them as badly as he could have.
Tears, Anger as Indonesia Loses U20 World Cup, Faces FIFA Sanctions
By Niniek Karmini and Graham Dunbar
Indonesians are in an uproar after rejection of the Israeli team cost their country its chance to host a global football tournament.