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ASEAN Beat
‘One Vision, One Identity, One Community.’ That’s the ASEAN motto. But what’s the reality? Our bloggers based around this diverse and strategically key region give you an insider’s perspective on politics, security and society in South-east Asia.
June 15, 2023
The Rohingya Crisis and the Myth of Myanmar Sovereignty
By Muhammad Estiak Hussian
Powerful actors like China, Russia, ASEAN, and many other nations have refused to act in the Rohingya crisis – usually citing Myanmar’s sovereignty and the principle of non-interference.
June 15, 2023
Chinese Naval Vessel Begins ‘Goodwill’ Visit to Philippines
By Sebastian Strangio
The three-day visit, the first by the Chinese navy since 2019, comes at a difficult time in relations between Beijing and Manila.
June 14, 2023
Malaysia Seeking Interpol’s Assistance to Investigate Comedian
By Sebastian Strangio
The New York-based comedian Jocelyn Chia created a social media storm last week when she posted a short clip featuring a joke about Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370.
June 14, 2023
How New Electoral Rules Shaped the Outcome of Thailand’s Election
By Daniel C. O’Neill and Amanda R. Jaroenpokasap
The changes, which included the shift from a single to a dual ballot system, had a different impact than was generally predicted.
June 14, 2023
Myanmar Military Restricts Access to Areas Hit by Cyclone Mocha
By Sebastian Strangio
The military's decision closes off the limited access of the U.N. and international aid organizations to around 1 million people affected by the storm.
June 14, 2023
Philippines’ Investment Fund Bill Draws Criticism
By Mong Palatino
A group of prominent economists claims that the Maharlika Investment Fund will draw much-needed cash away from other parts of government.
June 14, 2023
Compelled Speech on the March in Cambodia With New ‘Mandatory’ Voting Law
By David Hutt
It is no longer enough to remain silent and keep out of politics. Cambodians are now required to actively affirm the ruling regime – including at the ballot box.
June 13, 2023
Indonesian Court to Rule on Petition Seeking Change to Electoral System
By Sebastian Strangio
A number of politicians have petitioned the Constitutional Court to change from open-list proportional voting to a closed-list system.
June 13, 2023
The Changing Nature of the Singaporean Presidency
By Edmund Lim
Since the city-state's independence in 1965, the office has undergone a number of significant evolutions.
June 13, 2023
Thailand’s Election Body Opens Investigation Into Move Forward Leader
By Sebastian Strangio
The probe will assess whether Pita Limjaroenrat registered for last month’s election knowing that he could be disqualified for the ownership of shares in a defunct media company.
June 09, 2023
Indonesia to Host ASEAN’s First Military Drill in South China Sea
By Luke Hunt
Cambodia, however, has denied reports of a joint exercise in the South China Sea.
June 09, 2023
Fears About Migrant Workers in Thailand Unfounded, Cambodian PM Admits
By Sebastian Strangio
Following earlier comments from the Cambodian leader, Thailand's Move Forward Party denied it had any policy of expelling migrant workers from the country.