Region
Southeast Asia
![Is the Party Over in Laos? Is the Party Over in Laos?](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sizes/thumbnail/Roofs-vang-vieng.jpg)
Is the Party Over in Laos?
A crackdown on bars in northern Laos reveals deeper problems with tourism in this small, landlocked country.
![New Opportunities for the Women of Burma New Opportunities for the Women of Burma](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/sizes/thumbnail/burma-women.jpg)
New Opportunities for the Women of Burma
Female empowerment must be a top priority as Burma moves towards true democracy.
![Southeast Asia's Internet Dilemma Southeast Asia's Internet Dilemma](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/Vietnam.jpg)
Southeast Asia's Internet Dilemma
Surveillance cameras at internet cafés, harsh accountability standards for webmasters and the specter of self-censorship have many questioning the future of Internet freedom.
![Burma's Forgotten Dilemma Burma's Forgotten Dilemma](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/Mae_La_refugee_camp2.jpg)
Burma's Forgotten Dilemma
Will 140,000 refugees in Thailand seeking safety from the world’s longest-running civil war ever be able to go home?
![Southeast Asia Contains Anti-Islam Film Fallout Southeast Asia Contains Anti-Islam Film Fallout](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/American_Embassy_Kuala_Lumpur_Dec_2006_003.jpg)
Southeast Asia Contains Anti-Islam Film Fallout
Although some protests have occurred, reactions to the “Innocence of Muslims” in SE. Asia has been restrained compared to the Middle East.
![The Philippines Economy: Ready for Take-Off? The Philippines Economy: Ready for Take-Off?](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/Philippine-stock-market-board.jpg)
The Philippines Economy: Ready for Take-Off?
As its rise in the Global Competitiveness Report shows, the economic conditions are improving. Still, many challenges remain.
![Can Thailand Avoid Becoming a Modern-Day Atlantis? Can Thailand Avoid Becoming a Modern-Day Atlantis?](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/Greater_Bangkok_22_October_2011.jpg)
Can Thailand Avoid Becoming a Modern-Day Atlantis?
Last year, Thailand suffered historic floods. Forecasts suggest parts of the capital could be underwater by 2030. Is the country prepared?
![The Neverending Story: Drama in the South China Sea The Neverending Story: Drama in the South China Sea](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/ASEAN.jpg)
The Neverending Story: Drama in the South China Sea
While many have put their faith in a Code of Conduct some wonder if China is stalling for time. A real solution may take years, if ever.
![What’s Holding Mobile Money Back? What’s Holding Mobile Money Back?](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sizes/thumbnail/MPesa_Payment_Till.jpg)
What’s Holding Mobile Money Back?
Where banking infrastructure is limited in parts of Asia, mobile money could provide a solution. Emulating Kenya’s successful model could speed its adoption.
![Burma's Economic Reboot Marches On Burma's Economic Reboot Marches On](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sizes/thumbnail/Kyat1.jpg)
Burma's Economic Reboot Marches On
Will currency reform bring Burma one step closer to creating a modern, stable economy?
![Traffic: Vietnam's Silent Killer Traffic: Vietnam's Silent Killer](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sizes/thumbnail/driving-in-hanoi.jpg)
Traffic: Vietnam's Silent Killer
From lax safety standards, ineffective police, and drunk driving, operating a vehicle on the streets of Vietnam is a hazardous enterprise. People are now taking matters into their own hands.
![Why the South China Sea is not a "Sudetenland Moment" Why the South China Sea is not a "Sudetenland Moment"](https://thediplomat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sizes/thumbnail/us-navy.jpg)
Why the South China Sea is not a "Sudetenland Moment"
The United States must not take direct sides – and instead encourage peaceful negotiation – lest it make matters worse.