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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.
Myanmar Military Calls on Opponents to Enter Political Dialogue
By Sebastian Strangio
Few groups are likely to heed the SAC's call for them to “communicate with us to solve political problems politically.”
Malaysia’s Guantanamo Bay Connection
By Jasminder Singh
It is good that Kuala Lumpur is repatriating two prisoners from the U.S. penal facility, but it could face challenges once they return home.
Thailand’s King Endorses Marriage Equality Bill
By Sebastian Strangio
The law is set to take effect on January 22, 2025, when activists say they will hold a mass marriage of same-sex couples.
Indonesia Officially Lodges Application to Join Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
By Sebastian Strangio
Jakarta hopes that membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership will help broaden the markets for its exports.
Japan To Downgrade Diplomatic Ties With Myanmar Junta, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
Like several of its Western partners, Japan will now be represented in Yangon by a chargé d'affaires rather than a full ambassador.
Myanmar is Not About to Become a ‘Fractured’ State
By Miemie Winn Byrd
Analysts overlook the novel political linkages between the country's resistance groups, and their determination to build a federal democracy.
Vietnam’s To Lam Set to Meet With President Biden
By Sebastian Strangio
During the communist party chief's five-day visit to New York, Vietnamese and U.S. firms have signed a number of economic agreements.
Singapore Opens Corruption Trial of Former Transport Minister
By Sebastian Strangio
In the largest graft trial in decades, S. Iswaran is accused of taking more than S$400,000 in gifts from two prominent business figures.
Rights Groups Condemn Myanmar Prisoner Executions, Warn More to Come
By Sebastian Strangio
Several sources are reporting that five pro-democracy activists will be hanged at Insein Prison in Yangon today.
Yagi: The Aftermath of a Deadly Typhoon
By Sribala Subramanian
Yagi left a trail of destruction from Manila to Mandalay.
Malaysian Police Rescue 187 More Children as Sex Abuse Probe of Islamic Group Deepens
By Associated Press
572 children have been rescued from homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) amid allegations of abuse that shocked and enraged the nation.
Pilot Freed After 19 Months in Rebel Captivity in Indonesia’s Papua Region
By Niniek Karmini and Charlotte Graham-McLay
Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a 38-year-old pilot from New Zealand, was abducted by rebels from a remote airport in February 2023.