Showing 1 - 10 of 121
Flawed Asean needs to regain footing
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 10/10/2025
» Nearly six decades after its founding, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) finds itself back where it began -- divided, uncertain, and vulnerable to the influence of major powers. Once hailed as a model for regional cooperation in the developing world, Asean now faces a crisis of purpose. Unless it can rediscover the unity and collective way forward that defined its early decades, Southeast Asia's flagship institution risks slipping into irrelevance.
Chinese court hands death sentences to 16 people linked to Myanmar crime family
Published on 30/09/2025
» A Chinese court sentenced 16 people linked to a notorious Myanmar-based telecoms fraud group to death on Monday for crimes including fraud, drug trafficking and prostitution.
Solving the conflict in Myanmar
News, Published on 15/09/2025
» The Myanmar military has recently launched a new offensive in different parts of the country, determined to claw back territory it has steadily lost since the coup of Feb 1, 2021. These operations, though at times tactically successful, are being carried out through brute force: airstrikes, mortar attacks, and the increasing use of drones. Entire areas are being destroyed. What will follow is not liberation, but military occupation. But how viable and effective will be the administrative structures that the generals will impose to govern these shattered spaces?
Chinese court prosecutes Myanmar gang for scams, drugs, extortion, murder
South China Morning Post, Published on 21/02/2025
» BEIJING — A Chinese court has begun hearing charges against 23 members of a notorious Myanmar-based telecoms fraud gang accused of a range of crimes.
Myanmar's civil war after four years
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 31/01/2025
» Four years after its military coup and consequent civil war, Myanmar's spotlight in global headlines continues to dim as geostrategic reorientations and realignments among the major powers take centre stage. Dramatic and drastic foreign policy changes are afoot in the United States under the second administration of President Donald J Trump, while the European Union faces an existential threat from Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and Japan is mired in political sclerosis at home. Myanmar's fate and future will thus likely be determined by the course and outcome of its civil war, China's expanding influence in the country and Asean member states' manoeuvres to a lesser extent.
Scammers face losing their protection
Oped, Paskorn Jumlongrach, Published on 30/01/2025
» With mounting pressure from Bangkok and Beijing, it is becoming more difficult for Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) chief Maj Gen Saw Chit Thu to protect the grey business empire along the Moei river in Myawaddy and also to lead the force.
China pledges to rescue scam gang 'victims'
News, Published on 17/01/2025
» BEIJING: China will make every effort to rescue its nationals who have fallen foul of scam operations luring them to countries including Myanmar, the country's public security ministry said late on Wednesday.
China vows to reunite scam victims with families
Published on 16/01/2025
» BEIJING - China will make every effort to rescue Chinese nationals who have fallen foul of scam operations luring them to countries including Myanmar, the public security ministry said late on Wednesday.
China charges Myanmar Golden Triangle syndicate suspects with murder and telecoms fraud
Published on 31/12/2024
» Chinese authorities have charged 16 Myanmar citizens with crimes including murder and telecoms fraud as part of a crackdown on cross-border cybercrime.
Tackling the scammers on the border
Oped, Paskorn Jumlongrach, Published on 05/07/2024
» Abbas (assumed name) and Beni were excited when their friend and compatriot, Chihab, offered them a lucrative e-commerce job in Thailand. Abbas and Beni accepted the offer at once. The monthly salary started at US$1,000 (36,000 baht) and they were told the boss would double the salary after they gained more experience.