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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 22, 2023
US Announces Sanctions on Myanmar State Banks, Defense Ministry
By Sebastian Strangio
The targeting of the Myanma Foreign Trade Bank and Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank is designed to choke off the military's access to the U.S. dollar.
June 22, 2023
In Post-Repeal Singapore, LGBTQ Activists Work to Expand Family Structures
By Robin Vochelet
For this year’s Pink Dot campaign, the first since the repeal of Section 377A, queer Singaporeans hope to expand the definition of family in the city-state.
June 22, 2023
Indonesia Shifts ASEAN Military Drills Out of Disputed Waters
By Sebastian Strangio
The non-combat drills, the first to be held by the Southeast Asian bloc, will now take place near Batam island, well outside China's "nine-dash line" claim.
June 21, 2023
Thai Activists Sue Government Over Alleged Use of Pegasus Spyware
By Sebastian Strangio
Last year, cybersecurity researchers claimed to have unearthed “an extensive espionage campaign targeting Thai pro-democracy protesters."
June 20, 2023
Myanmar and Russia Sign Energy Deals, Establish Direct Flights
By Sebastian Strangio
The agreements point to the advancing strategic convergence between the two pariah states.
June 20, 2023
Thai Election Body Certifies General Election Results
By Sebastian Strangio
The announcement paves the way for parliament to convene in early July, after which it will vote to select the country's next prime minister.
June 19, 2023
Vietnam Arrests More Than 50 Over Central Highlands Attacks
By Sebastian Strangio
The motivation for the coordinated attacks on two commune offices in Dak Lak province remains unclear.
June 19, 2023
Thailand Under Fire For Brokering ‘Informal’ Meeting on Myanmar
By Sebastian Strangio
Key ASEAN member states, including current chair Indonesia, will skip the talks, which are intended to "fully re-engage" Myanmar's military government.
June 19, 2023
Could an Australian Solar Farm Challenge Lao Energy Ambitions?
By Luke Hunt
With ambitious plans to export Australian solar power to Singapore, Sun Cable could reshape ASEAN’s future power demands.
June 16, 2023
Indonesian Court Throws Out Bid to Change Electoral System
By Sebastian Strangio
The decision ensures that next year's presidential election will proceed according to schedule, under the existing electoral rules.
June 16, 2023
How Could Myanmar’s Divided People be Brought Together?
By Michael Vatikiotis
The Cambodian peace process of the 1980s offers some lessons for bridging seemingly insuperable differences.
June 16, 2023
A Third of Domestic Workers In Malaysia Face Forced Labor Conditions, UN Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The report from the ILO highlights a pervasive problem in Southeast Asia, but one that has often been overlooked by policymakers.