According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Thailand ranks among the highest in the world for road fatalities as traffic accidents claim approximately 20,000 lives annually, meaning an average of 50 deaths per day.
Category: The Brief
Is Indonesia becoming Southeast Asia’s new online gambling hub?
A recent police raid in Jakarta uncovered a large online gambling operation involving 320 non-Indonesian nationals and dozens of gambling website\s. The case quickly drew national attention because of the international scale of the network.
South China Sea and Strait of Hormuz dominate discussions at 48th ASEAN Summit
The 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, culminated on May 8 with member states’ leaders formally signing outcome declarations throughout the plenary and retreat sessions, concluded by a symbolic gala dinner.
Balikatan 2026 drills test missiles, cyber defense in the Philippines
The Philippines, along with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand, formally commenced Exercise Balikatan 2026, marking the 41st iteration of the biggest annual joint military drill across Southeast Asia on April 20.
Vietnam’s president chooses Beijing for first official visit
On April 17, Vietnam’s newly-elected President and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Tô Lâm, concluded his four-day visit to China with substantial outcomes, advancing the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Indonesia stages high-level visits to Moscow, Paris and Washington in a show of hyperactive hedging
In mid-April 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto embarked on a wave of state visits which represents Jakarta’s attempt to navigate an increasingly uncertain global condition.
Indonesia’s president diversifies defence, energy partners in East Asia tour
“As middle powers, we have the same concerns. We both need stability and peace”On April 1 in Seoul, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasised this point to South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung.
Myanmar junta leader “elected” as civilian head in military-engineered transition
Myanmar’s newly-elected parliament initiated the selection of a new state president on March 30, marking the first such process since the military junta took over power in the 2021 coup.
Vietnam prepares leadership reshuffle as national elections conclude
On March 22, Vietnam’s National Election Council (NEC) announced the results of the elections organised a week prior to elect members of the People’s Councils on the provincial and commune levels as well as 500 representatives to the 16ᵗʰ National Assembly.
Southeast Asia races to cope with Middle Eastern fuel supply shock
Iran has retaliated against US-Israeli attacks by blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important global node for oil and gas distribution. Southeast Asia, which relies on the Middle East for 60% of its oil imports, is hard hit.