š Ballots, borders, and breakthroughs: Southeast Asia's week in transition (Week 2 February, 2026)
From constitutional votes to tourism strategy, the region tested institutions while redefining identity.
Your curated wrap-up from The Southeast Asia Desk.
š¹š Thailand votes at a constitutional crossroads
Thailand is headed to the polls in a pivotal constitutional referendum that could reshape the balance between civilian rule and entrenched power structures. Analysts say the vote may determine whether the country moves toward reform or further political gridlock.
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š¹š± Updates from ASEAN HQ: From Timor-Lesteās debut to the South China Sea
Timor-Lesteās growing presence in ASEAN is intersecting with rising tensions in the South China Sea. The regionās newest member faces the dual challenge of integration and strategic positioning amid major-power rivalry.
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š®š© The Garuda rises: Southeast Asiaās futsal recalibration
Indonesiaās historic run to the Asian Futsal Cup final signals a seismic shift in the sportās regional and continental hierarchy. This unprecedented runāwhich included a stunning 5-3 semi-final victory over Japanāmarks Indonesiaās ascension as the new dominant force in Southeast Asian futsal, ending Thailandās long reign and signaling a major shift in the regional sports landscape.
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š āGhost in the Cellā: An Indonesian prison horror lore in silver screen
Ghost in the Cell, the latest film by Joko Anwar, has been selected for the Berlinale Forum 2026 and secured international distributionāmarking a significant moment for Southeast Asian cinema on the global stage.
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š“ ATF 2026: Rethinking tourism strategy
The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 outlined a new regional strategy focused on sustainability, digital transformation, and inclusive growth. Leaders are aiming to move beyond visitor numbers toward long-term resilience.
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š Southeast Asiaās faith-tech sector on the rise
Startups blending religion and technology are quietly reshaping markets across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. From halal fintech to AI-powered spiritual apps, faith-driven innovation is becoming a serious economic force. Nafees Khundker, CEO of Bitsmedia (Muslim Pro), delivers his thoughts on this.
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š§ The Desk Podcast: Pets to pests ā Southeast Asiaās invasive species story
This weekās episode explores how introduced animals ā once pets, now pests ā are disrupting ecosystems and testing environmental governance across the region.
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ā Weekend note: Institutions under test
From ballot boxes to boarding gates, Southeast Asia this week revealed a region recalibrating its institutions. Some reforms advance quietly. Others strain publicly. But beneath it all, the region continues to negotiate what stability should look like in a fast-moving world.
āØ Stories to linger over, one week at a time.
(QOB/ELS)