Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 18, 2016 • 5 min read

With regent taking place of King, Thailand’s future looks uncertain

By Logan Connor • Oct 18, 2016
Following the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, leadership of Thailand’s monarchy has automatically passed to Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda. As regent, the controversial figure will have a decisive stake in the country’s politics

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 17, 2016 • 6 min read

Netflix As Netflix moves in, local video streaming platforms fight back

By Kirsten Han • Oct 17, 2016
Southeast Asia has been hailed as the next big market for video streaming startups, with local telcos joining forces with big name studios to deliver both Hollywood and local content to the masses. Can the US streaming sensation Netflix, which officially launched in the region in January, now compete with these more affordable local rivals?

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 14, 2016 • 5 min read

Who is Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn? Sizing up Thailand’s heir apparent

By Logan Connor • Oct 14, 2016
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the only son and heir apparent of Thailand’s recently deceased King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is expected to assume the throne. However, his attention-grabbing behaviour and controversial political alliances have many worried

Southeast Asia • STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 14, 2016 • 6 min read

The power of status symbols in Cambodia

By Paul Millar • Oct 14, 2016
From the shiny Lexus crawling through Phnom Penh’s crowded streets to the iPhones stacked in towers on coffee shop tables, Cambodia’s expanding middle class has marked its rise with material symbols of wealth and status. Focus Asean spoke to Todd Hunkin, research manager of Cambodian marketing and social research group Market Strategy and Development Company, about this unspoken language of power

Southeast Asia • Oct 13, 2016 • 3 min read

End of an era: a look at the life of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

After more than 70 years as monarch of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign has come to an end. Bhumibol, the longest-reigning monarch in the world, held a demigod-like status in Thailand, with well-wishers gathering outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital in recent days to pray for his recovery. Many observers believe his death is likely to throw the country into turmoil. Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Crown Prince of Thailand and heir to the throne, is a controversial figure and, for some, an unsuitable ruler.  
By Southeast Asia Globe • Oct 13, 2016

Southeast Asia • Oct 12, 2016 • 4 min read

A top Singapore curator on the problem of elitism in contemporary art

Michael Lee is a Singaporean artist, curator and publisher who is currently working as an associate curator for the Singapore Biennale, which runs from 27 October 2016 until 26 February 2017. Here, Lee gives his thoughts on the four-month artistic extravaganza, as well as elitism in the discussion of modern art
By Euan Black • Oct 12, 2016

Southeast Asia • Oct 05, 2016 • 5 min read

Is Singapore ready to join the fight against Isis?

ANALYSIS: After a planned attack on Marina Bay Sands was foiled, Singapore’s government is taking the fight to the Islamic State
By Bernard Loo Fook Weng • Oct 05, 2016