Showing 1 - 10 of 85
Myanmar poll to test region
News, Editorial, Published on 27/12/2025
» Tomorrow, eligible voters in Myanmar will return to the polls in a general election organised by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), the military-appointed body overseeing the process.
Timor-Leste finally joins the Asean fold
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/10/2025
» Timor-Leste will be made a full member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) on Oct 26. President José Ramos-Horta of Timor-Leste often joked that joining Asean was more difficult than going to heaven. Not anymore.
Myanmar junta readies for sham poll
News, Nay Phone Latt, Published on 11/10/2025
» Myanmar's military leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who currently serves as both the army's commander in chief and the country's head of state, has reshuffled the government's administrative structure in preparation for planned elections later this year.
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.
Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/07/2025
» It appeared to be a done deal. During their summit on May 26, Asean leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Since then, Nay Pyi Taw has raised an unexpected objection, with the junta issuing an official statement that could potentially embarrass Asean and its current chair, Malaysia.
Will Myanmar's military plan succeed?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/06/2025
» Following the recent devastating earthquake, Myanmar's military junta leaders are facing increasing pressure at home and abroad. Despite this, they are moving forward with their five-step plan, while still implementing the Asean peace plan. The most crucial part of their plan is to hold a general election between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has already promised this to leaders from India, China, Russia, Belarus and Asean countries.
Revamping Asean's Myanmar strategy
News, Pou Sothirak & Peyson Hunt, Published on 24/05/2025
» Myanmar's civil war, now in its fourth year, has become a test not just of national resilience but of Asean's capacity to respond to crises within its own ranks.
Support the people's revolution
Oped, Daw Zin Mar Aung, Published on 23/05/2025
» Myanmar is at a pivotal and promising historical crossroads that may resemble the transformative journey of its northern neighbour.
On the path to peace in Myanmar
Oped, Kasit Piromya, Published on 01/05/2025
» As Myanmar spirals further into civil war, Asean stands at a defining crossroads. The region cannot afford to remain passive while Myanmar's military junta intensifies its assaults under the guise of so-called "temporary ceasefires". These declarations are not peace -- they are pretexts. Airstrikes and scorched earth tactics continue with impunity, while international actors too often confuse propaganda with progress.
Anwar plants first seeds
News, Editorial, Published on 21/04/2025
» After years of diplomatic deadlock, recent moves by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have sparked cautious optimism over Myanmar. Thanks to their efforts, the world is watching Asean taking a leading role in solving one of the region's most intractable crises.