Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has narrowly escaped “political assassination” in the House of Representatives. This underscores the urgency of strengthen his political power base. Without doing so, the future of his premiership will remain at risk.
Author Archives: Lyd w
Thailand’s Warring Generals: Different Beds, Same Dream
The Thai prime minister might soon leave the ruling Phalang Pracharat Party-led governing coalition. Ironically, his departure might actually boost the party’s chances of assembling a winning coalition come the elections expected next year.
The New Battlefront in Myanmar’s Economy: Fake News
The lack of credible media outlets and the proliferation of fake news have led to much economic grief for the people of Myanmar.
Nominees and ‘Backyard Companies’: How Vietnamese Officials Conceal Their Illicit Wealth
Not a single Vietnamese leader or official has been named in the Pandora Papers, which has shed light on global leaders squirrelling their wealth away from the eyes of the taxman. As the saying goes, the absence of evidence does not necessarily mean the evidence of absence.
The Philippines and the South China Sea Arbitration Award: External Appeasement and Internal Dissension
Since taking office in 2016, Philippine President Duterte has downplayed the South China Sea Arbitration Award in the hope of gaining China’s infrastructure and financial offerings. This hope has so far remained unfulfilled.
The Quad and the Indo-Pacific: Going Slow to Go Further
In recent years, the Quad has gained momentum in response to growing Chinese assertiveness. But a lower key strategy is advised to allay regional concerns that ASEAN’s centrality will be undermined by a minilateral arrangement helmed by external powers.
Urbanisation – An Overlooked Issue in the Mekong River Basin
Rapid urbanisation and population growth have been overlooked factors contributing to environmental and ecological disruptions in the Mekong region.
Sarawak’s Fight Against the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Tale?
On paper, Sarawak should have turned the corner in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The fact that it has not could provide lessons as to how to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Co-opting Civilians into Myanmar’s State Administration Council Junta
The inclusion of civilians on the country’s latest junta is impossible to understand without a clear appreciation that that this junta is above all an anti-NLD project. This article examines the profiles of the civilians co-opted into the junta.
The Russia-China Strategic Partnership and Southeast Asia: Alignments and Divergences
The Sino-Russian nexus has been strengthening against the backdrop of heightening US-Russia and US-China strategic rivalry. This has some implications for Southeast Asia as Russia and China continue to oppose US hegemony and work to undermine America’s alliances and partnerships.