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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.
Thai Nationals Evacuated From Conflict Zone in Myanmar’s Shan State
By Sebastian Strangio
The Thais were reportedly victims of human trafficking rescued from online scam centers in Laukkai, in northern Shan State.
Where Does Ganjar Pranowo Stand on Indonesia’s Foreign Policy?
By Noto Suoneto
The PDI-P candidate has laid out a platform that suggests a good deal of continuity with the approach of President Joko Widodo.
Hundreds of Rohingya Refugees Disembark in Indonesia’s Aceh Region
By Sebastian Strangio
Five boats carrying nearly 900 people have reached western Indonesia over the past week, UNHCR officials say.
Ex-Philippine President Duterte Makes Another Threat After Receiving Subpoena
By Mong Palatino
The former leader has been summoned to appear at a court in Quezon City next month.
Hamas Will Release Thai Hostages When Ceasefire Declared, Officials Say
By Sebastian Strangio
A team of Muslim Thai officials have been in contact with the Palestinian militant Hamas since last month.
How Far the Rot of Corruption Has Spread In Vietnam
By David Hutt
Nguyen Phu Trong believes he can purge and purify the Communist Party. But what if corruption is not a quirk of the system, but its essence?
ASEAN Defense Ministers Call For Gaza Ceasefire, Myanmar Solution
By Sebastian Strangio
The calls came as the 17th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting convened in Jakarta, amid a host of pressing international crises.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Southeast Asia: The Next Decade
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A closer look at the future prospects of Beijing’s BRI in the region.
Myanmar Resistance Forces Close In On Key Northeastern Town
By Sebastian Strangio
The MNDAA says that it is close to capturing Laukkai, the capital of the Kokang region in Shan State, a hub of online gambling and cyber-fraud operations.
Prabowo Subianto Widens Lead in Latest Indonesia Election Polls
By Sebastian Strangio
Do the results suggest significant public support for the defense minister's appointment of President Joko Widodo's son as his running-mate?
How Will Thailand’s Foreign Policy Shift Under Srettha Thavisin?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The country's traditional diplomatic finesse has been tested by domestic political upheaval and the rapidly shifting global strategic landscape.
Malaysia Commutes First Batch of Death Sentences Under New Law
By Sebastian Strangio
The 11 inmates are the first of more than 1,000 that have applied for reviews since the abolition of the mandatory death sentence in July.