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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 PM to Raise Palestine Issue at Gulf-ASEAN Meeting
By Sebastian Strangio
The summit in Saudi Arabia comes at a time of growing global polarization over the Israel-Hamas war.
Marcos Allies Quarrel Over Confidential Funds in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The controversy over the use of the special funds has opened up rifts within the Marcos "unity government."
Indonesian Court Rules on Minimum Age For Presidential Candidates
By Prem Singh Gill
A Constitutional Court’s ruling has cleared the way for President Joko Widodo’s son, who is under the minimum age of 40, to run for the vice presidency at next year’s election.
Why the Malaysian State Is Taking Firmer Control Over Boustead Holdings
By James Guild
The group, which is majority owned by a pension fund for the Malaysian Armed Forces, has been sustaining heavy losses for years.
Thai PM Heads to China in Bid to Bolster Trade, Investment
By Sebastian Strangio
Srettha's four-day visit, his first to China as prime minister, centers around this week's Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.
Malaysian Police Arrest Editor of Banned Essay Collection
By Sebastian Strangio
Kean Wong is under investigation for sedition, for including a caricature of Malaysia's national coat of arms on the cover of the 2020 publication.
Philippines LGBTQ Activists Protest Arrest of Drag Artist
By Robin Vochelet
Manila’s LGBTQ community rallied in support of drag performer Pura Luka Vega, who was arrested after a video of their performance dressed as Jesus Christ circulated online.
Philippines Again Calls Out China For ‘Unsafe Actions’ in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The criticisms followed another close call in contested waters, this time in the vicinity of Philippine-occupied Thitu Island.
Protesters in Malaysia, Indonesia Come Out in Support of Palestine
By Sebastian Strangio
While many Western leaders have expressed support for Israel, the balance of both public and elite opinion in Muslim-majority Southeast Asia is very much on the opposite side.
Thailand’s New PM Treads a Populist Path Through Controversy and Tragedy
By Prem Singh Gill
Like his predecessors, Srettha Thavisin has advanced a populist economic platform – but he'll need to do more to address his country's political and social problems.
Malaysia Warns TikTok Over Breaches of Local Laws
By Sebastian Strangio
The Chinese-owned short video app has hit a number of recent roadblocks in its bid to expand its Southeast Asian operations.
Hun Manet Backs Down On Tax, but He Cannot Deny a Hike Is Coming
By David Hutt
If the new-look government is to fulfill its grand economic promises, it will need to vastly increase domestic revenue collection.