ASEAN countries need to brace themselves for a “super” El Niño weather phenomenon.
Author Archives: blackbox
Rules or Ruse? Myanmar’s Anti-Money Laundering Efforts Coerce Compliance with a Rigged Financial System
Since being labelled a “Jurisdiction of Concern” by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in 2022, Myanmar’s military government has undertaken efforts to improve its technical compliance with the FATF’s recommendations on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). But the regime uses AML/CFT compliance less to address actual money laundering, and more as a tool to compel individuals and businesses to use the state-controlled financial system.
Cambodia’s Three-Track Strategy for Peace with Thailand
Cambodia has adopted a comprehensive approach to resolving its border dispute with Thailand. Substantive progress, however, would only occur when the two sides agree on border demarcation.
Melaka State Government: What DAP’s Departure Portends for Federal Government
DAP’s departure from the Melaka state assembly will have repercussions for the PH-BN unity government at the federal level.
Quietly, not Silently: How Vietnam Deals with China on the South China Sea
Vietnam did not sign the joint statement on the Tribunal Award invalidating China’s claims on the South China Sea. Hanoi’s consistent “speak less, do more” approach combines public restraint with a range of quieter policy tools.
Redirecting Crypto Exchanges to Fight — Rather than Facilitate — Crypto Scams in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian countries can significantly amplify their anti-scam efforts by compelling crypto exchanges to proactively join the fight. Exchanges are not merely the primary gateways through which scam funds flow — they are also the custodians of valuable on-chain and platform intelligence needed to detect and disrupt those flows.
Thailand’s Defence Budget: Money and Materiel
Amid growing fiscal austerity, the Thai government has approved a defence budget largely unchanged from the previous year. This highlights the civilian government’s growing inclination to cater to the inclinations of the military.
Vietnam’s Ambition for Double-Digit Growth: Rationale and Challenges
Vietnam sees double-digit growth in 2026 and beyond as a political imperative. To achieve this, the government needs to adopt an economic model that aggressively leverages domestic stimulus while managing inflation and asset prices.
When the Indonesian Middle Class Takes to the Streets
Empirical evidence shows that a shrinking middle class in Indonesia has led to a growing number of protests. This is pertinent not only to Indonesia, but for other countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines.
Negeri Sembilan State Polls Will Shape National Politics
The inter-party dynamics in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state polls provide some indicators of how they could pan out at the national level.