Nation & Identity

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has claimed victory in the country’s general election held on February 8, 2026. His conservative Bhumjaithai Party is on track to win at least 194 of the 500 seats in parliament, putting him in a strong position to remain in power despite falling short of an outright majority.   Anutin thanked voters after early results were confirmed, saying the outcome “belongs to all Thais,...

The Philippines has surprised the region, and even its own citizens, with a bold tourism reset. Beginning January 16, 2026, Chinese citizens may now enter the Philippines without a visa for up to fourteen days for tourism and business trips. Officials say the new policy aims to bring back Chinese visitors, revive local jobs, and restore a major tourism market that collapsed during years of travel limits and political friction.   What makes...

Millions of children across Southeast Asia are living through the worst effects of climate change. Countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia are repeatedly struck by climate-related disasters, severely impacting children's education and well-being.   "They are waking up in evacuation shelters. They're drinking unsafe water. They're watching their parents struggle to rebuild homes and livelihoods that have b...

As the United States threatens tariffs to force countries to back its claim over Greenland, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has rejected the economic pressure and warned against the use of trade to reshape borders and alliances.   On January 20, Anwar answered questions at the Dewan Rakyat. Asked about Greenland, he said Malaysia would not support any attempt to force political or territorial outcomes through economic pressure, warn...

Southeast Asia is facing a growing divide as mainland countries move closer to China and maritime nations try to balance their ties with both China and the United States.   Mainland Southeast Asia Leans Toward China Countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are increasingly aligning with China. This shift is mainly driven by China’s infrastructure projects, such as the new railway in Laos, which strengthens their...