COMMENTARIES

3 Jul 2025

Paetongtarn’s Suspension Spells the Collapse of Her Government

Napon Jatusripitak

Following her suspension as prime minister, the writing is on the wall for Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra and what remains of her ruling coalition.

Thai Politics Thailand

2 Jul 2025

The ‘First Lady’ Who Redefines Vietnam’s Diplomacy and Politics

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam’s de facto first lady has blazed a trail which has enhanced Vietnam’s diplomatic overtures and softened her husband’s image.

Ngo Phuong Ly Vietnam

1 Jul 2025

Thailand Faces Growing Instability with Paetongtarn’s Intransigence

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

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.

Cambodia Hun Sen Paetongtarn Shinawatra Thai Politics Thailand

1 Jul 2025

Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus

Ryan Hass

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.

ASEAN China Pete Hegseth Taiwan US

27 Jun 2025

The Elusive Code: Why ASEAN Needs a New Playbook for the South China Sea

Joanne Lin|Pou Sothirak

The Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations between ASEAN and China have reached an impasse, hindered by legal ambiguities, strategic divergences, and ASEAN’s internal divisions. ASEAN must move away from a binary approach that equates success with legal binds, and instead explore more pragmatic alternatives.

ASEAN Summit ASEAN-China Relations Code of Conduct South China Sea State of Southeast Asia Survey

27 Jun 2025

The Vietnam War and US Security Policy on the Asia-Pacific

Daljit Singh

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.

U.S. U.S. Foreign Policy Vietnam

27 Jun 2025

Aung San Suu Kyi’s 80th Birthday: In the Shadow of Repression

Surachanee Sriyai

A recent online campaign for Aung San Suu Kyi has underscored the junta’s long arm of the law — via digital repression.

Aung San Suu Kyi Digital Culture Government Surveillance Myanmar

26 Jun 2025

Rethinking Thailand’s University Admissions System

Panarat Anamwathana

Thailand’s university admissions system needs a proper fix.

Education Thai Politics Thailand

26 Jun 2025

Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Revival: Ambition or Overreach?

Nguyen Khac Giang

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.

Nuclear Power Vietnam Vietnamese Politics