On February 22, Laos held general elections for its 10th National Assembly and 5th Provincial People’s Councils, with 60% of its population—equal to 4,764,384 voters—eligible to vote.
Category: The Brief
Southeast Asian leaders in charm offensive at inaugural BoP meeting
On February 19, Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Trump-initiated Board of Peace (BoP) in Washington, D.C., drawing representatives from its 26 full members.
Thailand’s conservative Bhumjaithai Party win defies polls
On February 8, Thais voted in a snap election following the dissolution of parliament announced in December 2025 by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Indonesia sells its economic story at Davos
On 22 January, Prabowo Subianto departed for Davos, Switzerland, following an official meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, to deliver a special address to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2026 Summit.
Vietnam hails economic gains at National Party Congress
Vietnam has 2025 as ASEAN’s strongest economic performer, with GDP growth reaching 8.02% that year and the national economy expanding to around US$514 billion.
Philippines begins ASEAN chairmanship with official visit to Naypyidaw
On January 6, 2026, only five days after the Philippines officially took on the ASEAN chairmanship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro made an official visit to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital city.
ASEAN maintains silence amid violations of international norms
On January 3, the United States (US) executed a military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of its President, Nicolas Maduro, who will face charges and be tried in the US.
Myanmar’s post-coup election moves ahead amid conflict
Myanmar held their first phase of general election on December 28, the first election since the 2021 coup.
Thailand–Cambodia GBC ceasefire talks underway
Secretary-level talks under the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) on December 24 in Chanthaburi were widely presented as a step towards de-escalation.
Cambodian and Thai FMs will hold de-escalation talks on December 22
The Foreign Ministers (FMs) from Cambodia and Thailand have confirmed their attendance at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AFMM) in Kuala Lumpur on December 22, which have been hailed by Malaysian Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, and observers as the first step towards de-escalation.