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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.
Thailand’s Buffet Cabinet 2.0: A Case of Political Indigestion
By Douglas Rhein and William Jones
With a reformist opposition gathering strength, Thai officials may see the current government as the last chance to gorge themselves at the public's expense.
Singapore Restricts Display of National Emblems Relating to Israel-Hamas War
By Sebastian Strangio
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that it will not allow the foreign conflict to jeopardize the city-state's "peace and harmony.”
Chinese Official Calls on Myanmar Junta to Cooperate on Border Stability
By Sebastian Strangio
Beijing's overriding goal is to restore the stability necessary to allow integrative infrastructure projects to proceed.
Is Indonesia at Risk of Terror Attacks During the Presidential Election?
By Aisyah Llewellyn
The country's extremist networks remain extant, but are much less capable of large-scale attacks than they were two decades ago.
Will Cambodia’s Private Debt Become National Debt?
By David Hutt
Private debt, much of it concentrated in the rapidly deflating real estate sector, has already emerged as a political problem for Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Philippine Radio Anchor Killed While on Facebook Livestream
By Jim Gomez
Juan Jumalon’s murder reaffirmed the Philippines’ status as one of the most dangerous places for journalists in the world.
Singapore’s PM Announces Plan to Step Down Before 2025 Election
By Associated Press
He will hand over power to his deputy and Singapore's Finance Minister Lawrence Wong late next year.
ASEAN Members Need to Think of ASEAN
By SUKEGAWA Seiya
Recent years have seen the association’s members increasingly going their own way.
Toll of Displaced Surges as Fighting Continues in Myanmar’s Shan State
By Sebastian Strangio
The steep rise in the number of those displaced reflects the ferocity of the fighting that has taken place since October 27.
Philippines Again Accuses China of Intruding Into Its Portion of the South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
The accusation follows the Chinese military's claim that a Philippine vessel "illegally entered" the area around Scarborough Shoal, which both nations claim.
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Sued Over ‘Grave Threats’
By Mong Palatino
The case, filed by Representative France Castro over threats made Rodrigo Duterte on his TV program, will be a crucial test of the country's judicial system.
The Significance of Indonesia’s Hosting of the Archipelago and Island States Forum
By Ahalla Tsauro and Dini Putri Saraswati
Jakarta has a chance to position itself as a leading representative of those states whose security and prosperity is most closely tied to the ocean.