The leaked phone call between Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian leader Hun Sen has ignited political instability and thrown into question the already embattled prime minister’s position.
Category Archives: Commentaries
Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus
Amid growing risks of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait, Southeast Asian countries can spur thinking on the Taiwan question by prodding Washington to match its words with deeds.
How Social Media Fuelled Dedi Mulyadi’s Rise and Prospects for Indonesia’s 2029 Elections
While it is early days yet, might West Java’s highly popular new governor feature in Indonesia’s next presidential race?
The Vietnam War and US Security Policy on the Asia-Pacific
The region’s security architecture is evolving in the wake of the Trump Administration’s pressure tactics on US allies and partners. An articulation of doctrine would be helpful but may not be forthcoming.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday: In the Shadow of Repression
A recent online campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi has underscored the junta’s long arm of the law — via digital repression.
Rethinking Thailand’s University Admissions System
Thailand’s university admissions system needs a proper fix.
Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Revival: Ambition or Overreach?
Vietnam’s renewed ambition of developing nuclear power plants to fuel its industrialisation drive and meet its climate obligations faces several obstacles, including an unrealistic timeline and financial challenges.
Bridging ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council: Why People-to-People Connectivity Matters
Cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council should be seen not only from the lens of trade investments, but also people-to-people connections.
Thorny Issue: The Durian Economy and Land Tussle in Pahang
There has been an ongoing dispute between the Pahang state government and farmers cultivating durians on encroached state land. With a new player in the fray, however, the dispute looks closer to a settlement.
Malaysia’s Metadata Controversy: Surveillance in the Guise of Statistics
The Malaysian government’s directive to collect mobile phone metadata from telecom providers has sparked much unease. It should implement stronger safeguards to demonstrate accountability.