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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.
Indonesia’s Vicious Cycle: Terrorist Convicts Making a Comeback?
By Andi Raihanah Ashar
Despite the government's deradicalization programs, a small but alarming number of terrorist convicts has reoffended after their release from prison.
Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim Makes State Visit to Singapore
By Sebastian Strangio
The one-day visit comes amid a period of stagnation in relations between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Philippines Refuses to Cooperate With ‘Unacceptable’ ICC Drug War Investigation
By Sebastian Strangio
Last week, the International Criminal Court ordered the restarting of its investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte's violent "war on drugs."
Marcos and the Philippines at Davos
By Mong Palatino
Since taking office in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has undertaken eight trips abroad, with a ninth to come next month.
Australian Returns 9 Antique Buddha Statues to Thailand
By Sebastian Strangio
The Canberra resident Murray Upton said his father obtained the statues while working as a railways engineer in the south of Thailand in 1911.
Opium Cultivation Jumps in Myanmar Amid Post-Coup Crisis, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
As the formal economy has atrophied, black markets and illicit trades have expanded their reach.
Indonesia Stirs the Pot on WTO Reforms
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
A bold move by Jakarta may give WTO reforms the shakeup they need.
How Does The Myanmar Crisis End?
By David Hutt
The military junta's possible handover of power to a quasi-civilian "transition council" could create complications for the country's resistance forces.
Why Vietnam’s Political Shake-Up Will Not Affect Its Foreign Policy
By Khang Vu
Two structural constraints, one international and one domestic, ensure a high degree of continuity in Hanoi's external relations.
Myanmar Military Spokesperson Expresses Uncertainty Over Junta Polls
By Sebastian Strangio
Frequent resistance attacks have greatly complicated the holding of a stage-managed election this year.
Thai Tourism Recovery On Track as International Arrivals Jump
By Sebastian Strangio
The country welcomed 11.15 million foreign visitors in 2022, up from just 428,000 the previous year.
A Touch of Populism and Austerity from Laos’ New PM
By David Hutt
A month after his appointment, Sonexay Siphandone has given some indication of how he plans to tackle the country's severe economic challenges.