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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.
Cambodian PM Takes Aim at Unidentified Drones
By Luke Hunt
Military deployed, bounties offered, Montagnards told they are not welcome.
Why ‘Global Britain’ Will Prove a Welcome Partner for Southeast Asia
By Imran Said
Whitehall’s strategy of engaging ASEAN has been a notable, though unheralded, post-Brexit success story.
Thai Court Acquits Protesters of Threatening Queen’s Motorcade
By Sebastian Strangio
The case was a rare example of moderation in a case involving the sensitive subject of the Thai monarchy.
Family Values Take Center Stage at Singapore’s Annual Pink Dot Rally
By Robin Vochelet
On Saturday, thousands of Singaporeans attended the LGBTQ organization’s annual gathering, the first since last year’s repeal of Section 377A.
Dutch Court Rules in Malaysia’s Favor in Sulu Heirs Case
By Sebastian Strangio
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hopes that the judgement would spell an end to the attempts to enforce a controversial $15 billion ruling.
Philippine Police Raid Alleged Cybercrime Buildings and Rescue 2,700 Workers
By Associated Press
The workers, who came from 18 different countries, were allegedly duped into working for fraudulent online gaming sites and other cybercrime groups.
US Aircraft Carrier Arrives in Vietnam For Six-Day Friendship Visit
By Sebastian Strangio
The visit of the USS Ronald Reagan came as Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh embarked on his first visit to Beijing since his appointment in 2021.
Cambodian Microfinance’s High Repayment Rates Are Built on Misery, Research Finds
By David Whitehouse
Boosters of microfinance claim that it can rescue people from rapacious informal lenders. That’s not the case in Cambodia.
Military-Aligned Border Guard Forces Defect in Southeastern Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Local media reported that two Border Guard Forces, formed by the military in 2009, had joined resistance attacks on junta outposts in Kayah State.
Cracks Are Appearing in Thailand’s Pro-Democracy Coalition
By Tita Sanglee
Beneath a facade of unity, the country's two main opposition parties continue to jostle for advantage.
Cambodia Amends Election Law, Disqualifying Non-Voting Candidates
By Sebastian Strangio
The amendment is intended to prevent a boycott of the July 23 election, which could undermine the planned handover of power from Prime Minister Hun Sen to his son.
Malaysia Sues Meta Over ‘Undesirable’ Content on Facebook
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision comes amid a rise in racial and religious online rhetoric as the country moves toward important state elections.