Region
Southeast Asia
Thai Monarchy Reform Activist Dies in Custody After Months-Long Hunger Strike
By Sebastian Strangio
The death of Netiporn “Bung” Sanesangkhom has drawn attention to the Thai government's cruel use of pretrial detention to silence peaceful critics of the monarchy.
What’s Behind Vietnam’s Political Upheaval?
Nguyen Khac Giang discusses the major blood-letting at the upper echelons of the Vietnamese government and ruling Communist Party.
ASEAN Should Watch the China-US Cyber Competition More Closely
By Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman
ASEAN must promote cyber norms to prevent the region from becoming a theater for cyber conflict between the major powers.
Fight or Concede, Myanmar’s Junta Must Decide
By Luke Hunt
Calm has returned to the Thai border after fighting last month. But some sources say the military is gearing up for a major counteroffensive on Myawaddy.
End of An Era in Singapore as PM Lee Prepares to Hand Over Power
By Sebastian Strangio
Tomorrow, Lawrence Wong will become the city-state's fourth prime minister. He faces a host of challenges on both the domestic and international fronts.
Patrick Winn on the Narco-Economy of Myanmar’s Wa State
By Sebastian Strangio
“Without heroin and meth, the state probably wouldn’t exist, and the Wa would be one more indigenous people preyed upon by Myanmar’s military.”
Philippines to Take Steps to Prevent Chinese Reclamation in South China Sea
By Sebastian Strangio
Over the weekend, Manila accused Beijing of attempting to create an "artificial island" at Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied reef 75 nautical miles from Palawan island.
China and Cambodia to Begin Annual Military Exercise to Strengthen Cooperation, Fight Terrorism
By Sopheng Cheang
A total of 1,315 military personnel from Cambodia and 760 from China will participate in the 15-day Golden Dragon exercise.
Thailand Cuts Off Internet, Mobile Phone Connections to Myanmar Scam Hub
By Sebastian Strangio
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission says that connections supplying Shwe Kokko, a center of online fraud operations in Myanmar's Kayin State, were illegal.
Russia’s Putin Could Visit Vietnam This Month, Reports Claim
By Sebastian Strangio
The Russian leader could include a stop in Hanoi on his upcoming state visit to China.
Thailand’s Senate Election: The Definition of Insanity
By Ian Hollinger
Attempts to create an upper house that is "above" the dirty reality of Thai politics have failed before – and will fail again.
Malaysia Will Not Recognize Unilateral Sanctions on Iran, Official Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The U.S. Treasury Department has expressed its concerns over Iran using Malaysian entities to finance allied militant groups, including Hamas.