COMMENTARIES

15 Jan 2020

The ‘Fighting Peacock’ in Myanmar Enters 2020 in a Fighting Mode

Nyi Nyi Kyaw

After a landslide victory in 2015, Myanmar's ruling NLD party is gearing up for the elections again, with a reaffirmation of the party's stance that politics should be conducted through negotiations and in the electoral arena rather than armed conflict.

15 Jan 2020

A New Chapter in Thailand’s Politics

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

As Thailand's opposition parties weaken from allegations and defections, the ruling coalition government is set to gain strength in the House with little competition - heralding a new era in the country's politics.

Thai Politics Thailand

14 Jan 2020

Deadly Clash Brings Vietnam’s Land Disputes into the Spotlight

Le Hong Hiep

Fuelled by inconsistent land management and historical ambiguity over land use rights, land disputes remain a persistent problem in Vietnam. While these disputes rarely affect foreign investors, it is a thorny political issue that the CPV will need to resolve.

Land Disputes Vietnam

7 Jan 2020

Vietnam’s Dilemma in Dealing with Laos’ Mekong Hydropower Dams

Le Hong Hiep

Caught between its growing energy needs and Laos' controversial plans for more hydropower dams along the Mekong River, Vietnam has taken stakes in the projects to influence their development and minimise their environmental impact.

Energy Laos Mekong River Vietnam

27 Nov 2019

Thailand’s New Security Plan Highlights Threats to the Throne

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Years of political turmoil and ingrained problems such as inequality, corruption and and inefficient administration have led to declining faith in the monarchy. This has widened political divisions in Thailand - an issue so serious that it has become the focus of Thailand's latest security plan.

Security Thailand

22 Nov 2019

Myanmar at the ICJ: Intent and Implications

Moe Thuzar

Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to represent Myanmar herself to defend against the genocide charges in the ICJ has sent a message that she is taking responsibility as the country's leader. This may translate into more votes for her party in the 2020 elections.

Aung San Suu Kyi ICJ Myanmar Rakhine

6 Nov 2019

What India’s Withdrawal from RCEP Means for ASEAN, India and the Indo-Pacific Concept

Tang Siew Mun

India's surprise withdrawal from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership has diminished the country's strategic weight and relevance. The withdrawal consitutes a major setback to the Indo-Pacific concept and has caused ASEAN to lose a counterweight to aspiring powers with hegemonic ambitions.

India RCEP

5 Nov 2019

Anand Panyarachun and Royal Intervention in Thai Politics

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

Unlike most constitutional monarchies that stay above the political fray, the late King Bhumibol often sent his men to rescue Thailand from crises - such as the appointment of Anand Panyarachun as Prime Minister after the 1992 protests. However, these royal interventions were not always effective, and had in fact eroded the monarchy's popular legitimacy.

Thai Monarchy Thai Politics Thailand

1 Nov 2019

US Downgrading of Summit Representations Sets Worrying Precedent for ASEAN

Tang Siew Mun|Glenn Ong

The appointment of National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien as the United States' Special Envoy to the East Asia Summit should have been seen as a sign of encouragement due to his close connection to the President. But it may also be perceived as a snub as he will be the first US delegate who is deemed to be not senior enough in the pecking order.

ASEAN EAS US

29 Oct 2019

In Thailand, High-Speed Train, Low Speed Negotiations

Sihasak Phuangketkeow

After months of drawn-out and intense negotiations, the contract for the high-speed train project was finally signed to much fanfare and relief. With the three-airport high speed train project going forward, Thailand's ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor project is one step closer to reality.

Eastern Economic Corridor Thailand