Region
Southeast Asia
A Deadly and Disastrous 2020 for the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
Guilty or not for exacerbating the suffering of Filipinos in 2020, Duterte is facing potentially tougher challenges in 2021.
Challenges to Democracy and Hopes for Peace and Justice in Myanmar
By Gus Miclat
For a multicultural society like Myanmar, the greatest test of democracy is whether the government treats its minorities equal to the majority.
After Months of Calm, Thailand Grapples with Virus Outbreak
By Associated Press
The surge of cases in Samut Sakhon province threatens to undo months of efforts to contain the virus and hasten recovery of Thailand's ailing economy.
Indonesia Quietly Advances Economic, Cultural Ties with Taiwan
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Fuad Tingai
Despite the country’s growing dependence on China, connections with Taiwan have persisted – even grown.
Two Rappers Convicted of ‘Incitement’ in Cambodia
By Sebastian Strangio
The country's long crackdown continues.
The Flashpoints of Hun Sen’s Cambodia
By Luke Hunt
A conversation with Ou Virak about human rights, China's rise, and the plight of the Mekong River.
Amid Corruption and COVID-19, Jokowi Shakes Up Indonesia’s Cabinet
By Sebastian Strangio
The reshuffle included the replacement of the controversial Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto.
Hydropower vs Heritage: Will Laos Lose Luang Prabang?
By Tom Fawthrop
Another Mekong dam project threatens to cost the former royal capital its UNESCO World Heritage status.
In Thailand, Local Elections See Stagnating Progressive Vote
By Sebastian Strangio
The results of the recent provincial elections hint at the possibility that some of demands of Thai protesters may be a hard sell outside big cities.
Singapore’s Digital Banking Race is On
By James Guild
Digital newcomers face serious challenges in poaching customers from Singapore’s traditional banking sector.
Is Cambodia Really Turning Its Back on Chinese Vaccines?
By Sebastian Strangio
Phnom Penh is likely to accept reliable, proven vaccines from whoever is offering them, including Beijing.
Aim Sinpeng on the Dynamics of Social Media in Southeast Asia
By Sebastian Strangio
"The Internet and social media’s arrival in the region have led to unprecedented levels of grassroots activism across societies."