Region
Southeast Asia
The Burning of Buthidaung: Allegations, Denials, and Silence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
By Naw Theresa
Reports of arson attacks and the mass displacement of Rohingya civilians in western Myanmar are being used as rhetorical weapons in the country's civil war.
Was the CIA Director Recently in Phnom Penh?
By David Hutt
Whether or not William Burns visited Cambodia, as former PM Hun Sen seemed to claim, U.S.-China competition has set off an intelligence race in Southeast Asia.
There Is No ‘Secret Agreement’ Between China and the Philippines on Second Thomas Shoal
By Christian Schultheiss
The diplomatic charade masks the key question: Would China refrain from seizing Second Thomas Shoal if the Philippines was forced to withdraw?
Diesel Prices Leap Upward as Malaysia Begins Subsidy Reforms
By Sebastian Strangio
The government could face a political backlash over its plans to remove blanket fuel subsidies, which it claims are straining the national budget.
Thailand’s MFP Remains Defiant as Crucial Court Decision Looms
By Sebastian Strangio
The popular opposition party faces dissolution over its pledge to amend the country's severe lese-majeste law.
Duterte’s Ironic Free Speech Advocacy in the Philippines
By Mong Palatino
The war of words between the Duterte and Marcos clans has made the former president an unlikely – and unconvincing – champion of free expression.
Thailand and Myanmar’s Road Ahead: A Chat with Pichai Chuensuksawadi
By Luke Hunt
A veteran editor reflects on five decades on the front lines of the Thai media.
How the ‘Politics of Gratitude’ Inflames Cambodia-Vietnam Relations
By Huynh Tam Sang and Mai Vu Thao My
Some Vietnamese nationalists view Phnom Penh's decision to press ahead with a controversial canal project as a sign of ingratitude.
76% of Filipinos View China as Country’s ‘Greatest Threat’: Survey
By Sebastian Strangio
Public attitudes toward China in the Philippines have dipped considerably as tensions have increased in the South China Sea.
Vietnam Appoints President’s Ally as New Security Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
Lt. Gen. Luong Tam Quang's appointment strengthens the chances of his former boss becoming the next Communist Party chief.
Indonesia’s President Says New Capital On Track, Despite Resignations
By Sebastian Strangio
Joko Widodo said yesterday that the new city is on schedule to host this year's Independence Day celebrations on August 17.
Myanmar Junta Launches Crackdown on Gold, Currency Traders
By Sebastian Strangio
The massive gap between the black market and official rates for the kyat has created lucrative opportunities for arbitrage.