Duterte explains why he terminated foreign-brokered peace talks with communist rebels

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte blamed the breakdown in talks on the Maoists guerrillas’ demand for a coalition government Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C) salutes during the 67th anniversary of the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) at a military camp in San Miguel, Bulacan province, Philippines, 24 November 2017. Photo: EPA/Simeon Celi
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 29, 2017

Acting out

Splashing Theatre is becoming one of Thailand's most talked about drama companies

Thailand’s Splashing Theatre Company has established itself as one of the Kingdom’s most unique and daring drama troupes. Last month, a few weeks before their performance at the Bangkok Theatre Festival, we grabbed a quick word with Thongchai Pimapunsri, a director, playwright, award-winning actor and co-founder of the critically acclaimed theatre company
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 29, 2017

Thai cadet

A Thai cadet's death sparks a national debate on military's culture of corporal punishment

Phakhapong Tanyakan's body was returned to his family with missing organs after a military autopsy, leading family members to suspect that he had not, as reported, died from heart failure
By Johanna Chisholm • Nov 28, 2017

Jong-nam murder

Kim Jong-nam's soiled pants suggest poison, says doctor in North Korean's murder trial

The doctor testifying in Malaysia said that VX nerve agent – the poison found on Jong-nam's body – can cause the body to lose control of its muscles
By Madeleine Keck • Nov 28, 2017

War on drugs

Duterte promises to kill his son if he is proven to be caught in drug cartel

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest child finds himself at the heart of a scandal that could force the country’s first family from power
By Paul Millar • Nov 28, 2017

Internet crackdown

Vietnam jails 22-year-old blogger for his reporting on environmental disaster

The Vietnamese blogger will serve seven years in prison, and will then face an additional three years of house arrest under charges of "conducting propaganda against the state"
By Johanna Chisholm • Nov 28, 2017

Miss Universe

Cambodia and Laos compete for the first time

With the addition of these two Southeast Asian candidates, the prestigious beauty pageant will now feature 92 countries and territories, smashing the previous record of 89 in 2011
By Johanna Chisholm • Nov 27, 2017

Media censorship

How Trump's press crackdown is emboldening Southeast Asian leaders to follow suit

Southeast Asian leaders are using Trump's bold and combative stance against the US press as fuel to fire their own regional battles with the media
By Tom O’Connell • Nov 27, 2017