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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 Parliament Blocks Pita From Being Renominated for Prime Minister
By Grant Peck and Jintamas Saksornchai
After Pita Limjaroenrat of the Move Forward Party was blocked from a second attempt at being confirmed, Parliament adjourned without ever voting on a PM.
Cambodian Government Intensifies Repression Ahead of National Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
This Sunday's national election will function as a prelude to the expected handover of power from Prime Minister Hun Sen to his eldest son.
ICC Rejects Philippines’ Final Appeal Against ‘Drug War’ Investigation
By Sebastian Strangio
The ruling opens the way to an investigation of extrajudicial killings, but trials of Philippine officials remain a remote prospect.
Cambodia’s Opposition Movement Needs To Start Anew. Taxation and Eco-Nationalism Should Drive It.
By David Hutt
It is time for the movement to step away from stale personal and political rivalries and embrace a more concrete, forward-looking platform.
Thai Parliament Readies for Second Prime Ministerial Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The chances of Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat securing the necessary support are growing slimmer.
Singaporean Parliamentary Speaker and MP Resign Over ‘Inappropriate’ Affair
By Sebastian Strangio
The resignations follow the rare arrest of a cabinet member amid a probe by the country's Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau.
Vietnam’s Censoring of ‘Barbie’ Is a Reflection of the Party’s Paranoia
By Minh Tran
The overreaction to the film's alleged depiction of China's "nine-dash line" claim is a feature, not a bug, of the country's culture of censorship.
2023 Marks a Reset in India-Malaysia Relations
By Yanitha Meena Louis
A series of recent exchanges have finally moved the two countries past the turmoil of 2019.
Malaysia and the Dark Fleet
By Sribala Subramanian
A risky trade in sanctioned crude oil is taking place off the coast of Johor.
Philippines Allows ‘Barbie’ Film Screening Amid ‘9-Dash-Line’ Controversy
By Mong Palatino
The move followed a decision by Vietnamese censors to bar the distribution of the film for allegedly depicting the Chinese maritime claim.
Southeast Asian Nations Renew Alarm Over Myanmar Violence. But Diplomats Can’t Settle On a Solution
By Niniek Karmini and Jim Gomez
Nearly two-and-a-half years into the crisis caused by the military takeover, ASEAN remains more divided than ever.
Thailand’s Move Forward Party Leader Pita Falls Short in Parliamentary Vote for Prime Minister
By Grant Peck and Jintamas Saksornchai
The inconclusive finish to Thursday’s voting sets the stage for another ballot, which is expected next week.