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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.
Rights Groups Call on Laos to Release Dissident Chinese Lawyer
By Sebastian Strangio
Lu Siwei was arrested on July 28, as he tried to board a train from Vientiane to Bangkok, and is expected to face deportation soon.
Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency for Fourth Time
By Sebastian Strangio
The extension is an admission that the military has failed to quell the broad-based armed resistance to its rule.
Vietnam Imprisons 54 Officials Over COVID-19 Flights Graft Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Among the most prominent officials were high-ranking members of the ministries of foreign affairs, public health, and public security.
Myanmar Junta Transfers Aung San Suu Kyi Out of Solitary Confinement
By Sebastian Strangio
The 78-year-old leader is now reportedly being detained at a government building in Naypyidaw.
After Years of Promises, Will Thaksin Finally Return to Thailand?
By Sebastian Strangio
There are several reasons to think that the fugitive former PM might actually be becoming home.
How Will Cambodia’s Incoming Leader Affect the Country’s Foreign Relations?
By Sebastian Strangio
China will be the main benefactor of the Hun Manet administration, while relations with the Western democracies will remain fraught.
Cambodian Naval Base to Test Hun Manet’s Relations With Washington
By Luke Hunt
Satellite images confirm China-backed Ream upgrade is almost complete.
Malaysia, Philippines Discuss More ‘Flexible’ ASEAN Approach to Myanmar’s Military
By Sebastian Strangio
President Marcos Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim say that Southeast Asian governments should be allowed to engage the junta informally.
Cambodian PM Says He Will Step Down in 3 Weeks and His Son Will Succeed Him
By Sopheng Cheang
Hun Sen says that will relinquish the prime ministership on August 22, after more than 38 years in power.
Cambodia Hunting Down Opposition Activists Who Advocated Spoiling Ballots
By Sebastian Strangio
Despite winning 120 of the 125 seats in parliament, the ruling CPP is cracking down on even minor gestures of dissent.
Marcos Adopts New Philippine Government Branding
By Mong Palatino
The change “calls for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government," but critics say the reforms are no more than skin-deep.
Thailand’s Democrat Party: Gone and Almost Forgotten?
By Tita Sanglee
Formerly a bastion of conservative Thai politics, the rudderless party has been excluded from talks aimed at forming the next government.