Region
Southeast Asia
Local Leaders Question Expanded US Military Presence in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Several legislators and local officials said they support the expansion of EDCA, but some of the president’s allies have raised questions about it.
Ex-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Makes Surprise Visit to Myanmar
By Grant Peck
Visiting on behalf of the peace-making group The Elders, Ban visited Myanmar and had meetings with junta leaders, including Min Aung Hlaing.
Smoke and Heat: Breaking Records in Southeast Asia
By Luke Hunt
The long-range forecasts paint a bleak, hot outlook, with suffocating heat and smoky air across Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
Lèse-majesté Abolition Push Is Gaining Ground in Thailand
By David Hutt
In the May election, a significant number of Thais are expected to vote for a party that has spoken about the need to reform – or even abolish – the lèse-majesté law.
Is a US-Vietnam Strategic Partnership Likely to Happen Soon?
By Huynh Tam Sang and Vo Thi Thuy An
Despite auspicious diplomatic recent developments, an upgrade of the bilateral relationship remains unlikely, at least for now.
US Influence in Southeast Asia Waning, New Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
A briefing from Sydney's Lowy Institute argues that the U.S. has lost influence to China in recent years, especially in terms of its economic and diplomatic engagement.
Cambodia’s Deja Vu Politics Reflect the Limits of Western Power
By Chhengpor Aun
The result of July's election is largely a foregone conclusion, but serious retaliation from Western governments is unlikely.
Singapore to Resume Executions After 6-month Break
By Associated Press
Critics say that Singapore's death penalty has mostly snared low-level mules and done little to stop drug traffickers and organized syndicates.
US to Spend $100 Million on Upgrades to Philippine Military Facilities
By Sebastian Strangio
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said yesterday that six projects are slated for completion by the end of the year.
Thailand: An Outlier in Asia on Guns
By Sribala Subramanian
The nation has an unabashed and deep-rooted love of firearms.
Indonesia Confirms 3 More Troops Killed in Papua Ambush
By Sebastian Strangio
The attack came as a unit of soldiers attempted to search for a New Zealand pilot captured by Papuan separatists in February.
Thailand’s General Election: Can the Winner Really Take All?
By Punchada Sirivunnabood
The opposition Pheu Thai Party is well placed to win the May 14 polls. But will it be able to form government?