Parsing the Politicking Behind the Police
Paul Chambers
The reforms of the Royal Thai Police give some semblance of movement. But politicking remains at the heart of the system.
Articles
China’s Pop Fiction Boom Poses a Dilemma for the Party
Kornphanat Tungkeunkunt
The export of Chinese pop fiction has found ready markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand. But some undesirable genres pose a dilemma for China’s soft power.
The Political Economy of Vietnam’s North-South High-Speed Rail Project
Nguyen Khac Giang
Today, Vietnam is arguably better positioned, both financially and geopolitically, to move forward with the North-South High Speed Rail project. However, the feasibility of this ambitious megaproject hinges on a careful cost-benefit analysis, which is fraught with uncertainty.
Politically Proofing the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone for Credibility and Durability
Adib Zalkapli
There is positive sentiment on both sides of the Causeway about the proposed special economic zone in Johor. However, the project needs to be future-proofed against potential political complications up north.
Locating Theravāda Buddhism in Maritime Southeast Asia
Jack Meng-Tat Chia
Theravāda Buddhist communities across maritime Southeast Asia have long adapted to local conditions. Even today, believers are finding new ways of transmitting the faith to younger adherents.
Japan-ROK-US Trilateral Relations: Flying into Turbulence
Joanne Lin|William Choong
The political tides are going against the recently impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This could adversely affect the trilateral security arrangement involving Japan, South Korea and the US.
Should Selangor Take Kuala Lumpur Back?
Tricia Yeoh
There is talk of integrating Kuala Lumpur into Selangor again. However, before considering reintegration, the capital’s governance and residents' needs must be addressed.
Political Storm in Sabah: Can Hajiji Noor and GRS Survive the Scandal?
Arnold Puyok
Another scandal has rocked the state government in Sabah. But it is too early to tell whether it will deal the death blow to the government.
Fewer Voices, More Control: Vietnam Reshapes Its Media
Nguyen Khac Giang|Dien Nguyen An Luong
As George Orwell noted in his seminal 1972 essay, "Unpopular ideas can be silenced, and inconvenient facts kept dark, without the need for any official ban". As our authors argue, Vietnam’s state plan to reform its media could create more problems than it solves.
Fan Bingbing: Tourism Ambassadorship and China’s Soft Power
Peter T. C. Chang
China’s soft power comes in various guises. Fan Bingbing’s appointment as Melaka’s tourism ambassador represents a new, private-sector driven form that will likely grow.