Category: Opinion
The latest opinion from those committed to making our region fair, just and democratic.

Homage to Gwangju and Salute to South Korean Democrats and Rights Activists
FORSEA Co-founder Maung Zarni paid homage to South Korea's fallen democrats and rights activists at the May 18 National Cemetery, Gwangju, South Korea.

A New Royal Consort Raises Uncomfortable Questions about the Role of Royalty in Thailand
After three failed marriages, Vajiralongkorn has lost interest in fulfilling the institution’s role in projecting family values. And after appointing a noble consort, it's a tall order to rescue King Vajiralongkorn’s image.

Standing Up to the Giant: Analysing Vietnam’s Efforts in the South China Sea
The only way to avoid all-out conflict breaking out in the South China Sea is to present a strong collective front among ASEAN nations and for the international community to urge China to fully abide by international law.

CAMBODIA’S TONLE SAP LAKE UNDER THREAT
The worst drought season in a century, endless damming, ongoing climate change, and the harm of millions subsisting on a seasonal sea have all strained Tonle Sap to breaking.

Attack on FORSEA Board Member Pavin Chachavalpongpun
The FORSEA Board is gravely concerned about the politically motivated attack on our colleague – FORSEA co-founder and Kyoto University professor Pavin Chachavalpongpun in his own bedroom in Kyoto a month ago.

How do Terrorists Fund Their Activities? Some do it legally
Not only are terrorist fund-raising methods changing, but the ways money is being used has also evolved. Vigilance to the changes in terrorist financing methods is needed.

WHY ARE ASIA’s WOMEN POLITICIANS FACING a BACKLASH?
In East and Southeast Asia, women’s legislative presence is not met with an increase in women’s political engagement; in fact, it seems to trigger a backlash.

HONG KONG on the BRINK AFTER CHAOTIC DAY OF PROTEST – ITS LEADERS NOW FACE HARD CHOICES
During the past month, Hong Kong has been rocked by protests on a scale unprecedented since anti-colonial demonstrations against British rule in 1967.

FORSEA Offers a Voice of Solidarity to the Freedom-Loving People of Hong Kong
Based on our shared democratic values and concerns for China’s anti-democratic, anti-people and anti-Environment policies in Southeast Asia, FORSEA stands in solidarity with the freedom-loving people of Hong Kong.

POST-ELECTION BLUES in INDONESIA: IDENTITY POLITICS and HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS
It is high time the human rights movement lives up to the foundational motto of the Indonesian state, unity in diversity. To influence in this rough political climate, they need to strengthen civil society – by building coalitions based on affinity.