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ABPOLSC 006 Politics and Governance in Southeast Asia Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) At the end of this module, you are expected to: Describe Southeast Asia and the states within. Explain the influences and experiences of countries in Southeast Asia. Identify the shared soci...

ABPOLSC 006 Politics and Governance in Southeast Asia Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) At the end of this module, you are expected to: Describe Southeast Asia and the states within. Explain the influences and experiences of countries in Southeast Asia. Identify the shared social patterns of Southeast Asians. What are the eleven nations of Southeast Asia? Map of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a vast region of Asia situated east of the Indian subcontinent and south of China. It consists of two dissimilar portions: a continental projection (commonly called mainland Southeast Asia) and a string of archipelagoes to the south and east of the mainland (insular Southeast Asia). Map of Southeast Asia Extending some 700 miles (1,100 km) southward from the mainland into insular Southeast Asia is the Malay Peninsula; this peninsula structurally is part of the mainland, but it also shares many ecological and cultural affinities with the surrounding islands and thus functions as a bridge between the two regions. Map of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is geographically divided into two portions; the mainland or Peninsular Southeast Asia and Insular Southeast Asia. Mainland Southeast Asia consists of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Collectively, they are also called the Indochinese Peninsula. Map of Southeast Asia On the other hand, Insular Southeast Asia is comprised of a string of archipelagoes that includes Indonesia and the Philippines. Timor-Leste (formerly known as East Timor) is located southwest of Indonesia. Malaysia is geographically considered as both a peninsula and insular, where both Brunei and Singapore are also located. Shared Influences and Experiences Religious Penetration Colonialism Introduction of Political Ideas from the West Rise of Nationalism War and International Conflicts Name the dominant religion of each southeast Asian state: Brunei Burma (Myanmar) Cambodia Timor-Leste Indonesia Laos Malaysia Philippines Singapore Thailand Vietnam Shared Influences and Experiences: Religious Penetration As discussed, Southeast Asia consists of eleven countries that reach from eastern India to China and is generally divided into “mainland” and “island” zones. The mainland (Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam) is actually an extension of the Asian continent. Shared Influences and Experiences: Religious Penetration According to Barbara Watson Andaya in her online article Introduction to Southeast Asia, Muslims can be found in all mainland countries, but the most significant populations are in southern Thailand and western Burma (Arakan). The Cham people of central Vietnam and Cambodia are also Muslim. Shared Influences and Experiences: Religious Penetration Andaya added that Island or maritime Southeast Asia includes Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and the new nation of East Timor (formerly part of Indonesia). Shared Influences and Experiences: Religious Penetration Islam is the state religion in Malaysia and Brunei. Although 85 percent of Indonesia’s population of over 234,000,000 are Muslims, a larger number than any other country in the world, Islam is not the official state religion. Muslims are a minority in Singapore and the southern Philippines. Which colonial powers colonized which southeast Asian nation? Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism Southeast Asia is no stranger to western colonialism and imperialism. Over the course of the nineteenth century, Southeast Asia is colonized by Britain, France, and Holland. Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism In 1799, the Dutch government takes over the Dutch East India Company's rule of parts of the Indonesian archipelago. But France colonizes Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to proclaim the French Indochina Union in 1887. Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism This shared experience of colonialism has had a profound impact on the region, shaping its political, economic, and social development. Can you explain how? Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism Politically, colonial rule introduced new forms of government and administration, often based on European models. This led to the creation of new states and borders, and the displacement of traditional rulers. It also led to the development of new political ideas and movements, some of which continue to be influential today. Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism Economically, colonial rule led to the integration of Southeast Asia into the global economy. This brought new opportunities for trade and investment, but it also led to the exploitation of natural resources and the marginalization of local people. It also led to the development of new class divisions, as a small elite benefited from the colonial economy while the majority of the population remained poor. Shared Influences and Experiences: Colonialism Socially, colonial rule led to the introduction of new cultures and values. This had a major impact on traditional ways of life, and it also led to the development of new social identities. It also led to the growth of cities and the decline of rural areas. Shared Influences and Experiences: Introduction of Political Ideas from the West The introduction of new ideas became a major contributing factor to what made Southeast Asia and its individual states are today. Concepts such as democracy, nationalism, capitalism, and communism greatly shaped the region. Shared Influences and Experiences: Introduction of Political Ideas from the West In the Philippines for instance, Filipino students in Europe were greatly exposed to newfound ideas at the time that they brought them to their homeland and became the foundation for the call for reforms. Shared Influences and Experiences: Introduction of Political Ideas from the West Another ideology, communism, is another contributing factor that greatly shaped the political environment of countries. Which countries in southeast Asia fell to Communism? Shared Influences and Experiences: Rise of Nationalism Aside from exposure to western ideologies, another shared experience of Southeast Asian countries is the rise of nationalism. While certain abuses brought rise to southeast Asian nationalism, reason varies from one country's experience to another. In the Philippines, specially during the Spanish colonial occupation, what are the reasons for the rise of nationalism? Shared Influences and Experiences: Rise of Nationalism Overall, Dayley identified the following factors which are common grounds for the rise of nationalism in Southeast Asia: Failure to develop accountable governance Exploitation of human and natural resources Lucrative education Injustice Neglect of local economic development Shared Influences and Experiences: War and International Conflicts During the Second World War, Southeast Asia fell prey to the Japanese invasion. Since most of the countries are former or current colonies of Western powers at the time, they did not escape the devastation and destruction brought by the war. Shared Influences and Experiences: War and International Conflicts Though not as intense and destructive as the Second World War, Cold War was equally frightening and potentially more catastrophic. The use of nuclear weapons has greatly changed the conduct of modern warfare moving forward. Shared Influences and Experiences: War and International Conflicts Eva Hensson and Meredith Weiss explained in their online article "Beyond Cold War in Southeast Asia", the Cold War was a period of intense conflict across Southeast Asia, marked by a bloody mix of interstate conflicts, civil wars, displacement, and genocides. Shared Influences and Experiences: War and International Conflicts The disastrous tally of human suffering and lives wasted have led many to argue that the term “Cold War” is itself a misnomer (inappropriate) in the region. Shared Influences and Experiences: War and International Conflicts Moreover, coinciding with this period of global tension were more or less protracted national liberation struggles and the consolidation of postcolonial regimes across Southeast Asia, amplifying the impact of the Cold War as its requirements shaped alliances, ideological frames, and state and societal priorities. Why is Cold War “Cold”? Why is Cold War “Cold”? The Cold War was called a "cold" war because there was no large-scale fighting directly between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. Instead, they each supported opposing sides in major regional conflicts known as proxy wars. Why is Cold War “Cold”? The conflict was based on the ideological and geopolitical struggle for global influence by these two superpowers, following their roles as the Allies of World War II that led to victory against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in 1945. There were many wars that took place during the Cold War, but some of the most notable include: The Korean War (1950-1953): This war was fought between North Korea, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Korea, which was supported by the United States. The war ended in a stalemate, with the border between North Korea and South Korea remaining roughly the same as it had been before the war. There were many wars that took place during the Cold War, but some of the most notable include: The Vietnam War (1954-1975): This war was fought between North Vietnam, which was supported by the Soviet Union and China, and South Vietnam, which was supported by the United States. The war ended with the victory of North Vietnam and the unification of Vietnam under communist rule. There were many wars that took place during the Cold War, but some of the most notable include: The Soviet–Afghan War (1979-1989): This war was fought between the Soviet Union, which supported the government of Afghanistan, and Mujahideen rebels, who were supported by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. The war ended with the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. There were many wars that took place during the Cold War, but some of the most notable include: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): This was a major confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The crisis was resolved peacefully, but it brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. How do you think Cold War shaped southeast Asia? How Cold War shaped southeast Asia? Politically, the Cold War led to the division of Southeast Asia into two camps: the pro- Western camp and the pro-communist camp. This division led to proxy wars, political instability, and economic hardship in the region. How Cold War shaped southeast Asia? Economically, the Cold War led to the withdrawal of investment from Southeast Asia by Western countries, as they were wary of investing in countries that were considered to be communist or pro- communist. This led to economic stagnation in many countries in the region. How Cold War shaped southeast Asia? Socially, the Cold War led to the rise of nationalism and communism in Southeast Asia. These ideologies led to the outbreak of wars and insurgencies in many countries in the region. How states shall be compared moving forward? GDP per capita income Democratic Index (The Economist Intelligence Unit) Corruption Perception Index (Transparency International) Human Development Index (UNDP) Gender Inequality Index ABPOLSC 006 Week 3 Intended Learning Outcomes Discuss the historical and contemporary background of Thai politics. Describe the government and politics of Thailand. Compare in terms current state of transparency and other relevant indices with the rest of the region. Brief History 13th Century several small states in Thailand in the Mekong River Valley united to form a kingdom called “Sukhothai”. 14th Century another kingdom arouse called “Ayuthaya” and it annexed the kingdom of “Sukhothai.” A feudal-like sakdina (field power) system was introduced that provided structure and hierarchy to the social and political relationships of the Thais. Brief History 15th century July 1917 During 15th century the 20th in July, 1917 Thailand kingdom “Ayuthaya” continued joined World War 1 on the Allied to grow. Side. Portuguese in 1511 reached In November 1925, “Prajadhipok” Thailand became King of Thailand. 1511 Nov. 1925 Brief History 24 June 1932 25 Jan. 1942 In June 24, 1932, a bloodless revolution The Japanese then occupied Thailand made Thailand a Constitutional and on 25 January 1942 Thailand Monarchy. declared war on Britain and the USA. In December 8, 1941 Thailand agreed to let Japanese troops to pass through the country to invade British Malaya. 8 Dec. 1941 Brief History Brief History In the late 20th century In the late 20th century Thailand underwent amazing economic growth. It was transformed from a poor, agricultural country to a newly industrialized one. Thailand suffered from the economic crisis of 1997-98 but that proved to be a temporary setback. Brief History In May 2014, following a military coup, the 2007 constitution was suspended (except provisions pertaining to the monarchy), and a council of military leaders took power. That council appointed a 200-member single-chamber interim legislature in late July. The leader of the council was named interim prime minister in late August. Thailand has a history of military coup Thai coup Thailand has a history of military coups, with several successful overthrows of civilian governments throughout its modern history. These coups have often been driven by political instability, economic crises, or conflicts between different factions within the country. Protesters against PM Yingluck Shinawatra Why Thailand was never colonized? In the mid-19thcentury, Siam had a unique and well-established political system called the “Mandala” system. The underlying philosophy of this system was very different from the European notion of nation- states. Instead, the “Mandala” system focused on spheres of influence in which weaker rulers had to pay tributes to the more powerful rulers. At the top of the pyramid was the Siamese King. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Geography) Siam was able to avoid colonization by European powers due to a combination of factors. Firstly, Siam was geographically located to function as an ideal buffer zone between the British colonies of the Malay peninsula and the French colony of Indochina. This made it difficult for any one colonial power to conquer and control. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Trade and Diplomacy) In addition, the Siamese kings, especially Chulalongkorn, realized that in order to avoid colonization, they had to transform their political system into a more Europeanized version. The Thai government was skilled at playing the colonial powers off against each other. They were also willing to make concessions, such as granting trade monopolies, in order to avoid being colonized. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Trade and Diplomacy) In the 17th century, the Siamese king granted trade monopolies to the British and French East India Companies. This gave these companies exclusive rights to trade with Thailand, which made them less likely to want to colonize the country. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Trade and Diplomacy) On 8 December 1941, less than four hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor Japan invaded Thailand. After several hours of fighting between Thai and Japanese troops, Thailand acceded to Japanese demands for passage through the country for Japanese forces invading Burma and Malaya. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Trade and Diplomacy) As part of conquering Southeast Asia, the Japanese military planned to invade Malaya and Burma. In order to do this, they needed to make use of Thai ports, railways, and airfields. They did not want conflict with the Thai military, as this would delay the invasion and significantly reduce the element of surprise. Thailand later on became part of the Axis power. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Military Strength) Furthermore, Thai army was relatively strong, and was able to defeat the French in a war in the 19th century. The Thai army was able to defeat the French in the Franco-Siamese War of 1893. This war was fought over control of the Mekong River, which is a major waterway in Southeast Asia. The French wanted to control the Mekong River in order to expand their colonial empire in Southeast Asia. This showed that Thailand was not an easy target for colonization. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Military Strength) Japan subsequently stepped in to mediate the conflict. A general ceasefire had been arranged to go into effect at 10:00 on 28 January, and a Japanese-sponsored "Conference for the Cessation of Hostilities" was held at Saigon, with preliminary documents for an armistice between the governments of Marshal Philippe Pétain's French State and the Kingdom of Thailand signed aboard the cruiser Natori on 31 January 1941. Why Thailand was never colonized? (Military Strength) On 9 May, a peace treaty was signed in Tokyo, with the French being coerced by the Japanese to relinquish their hold on the disputed border territories. France ceded the following provinces to Thailand from Cambodia and Laos. Why Thailand was never colonized? (National Identity) Finally, the Thai people had a strong sense of national identity, which made them resistant to foreign rule. Thailand is a landlocked country, which has helped to protect it from foreign invasion. Another factor is the country's history. Thailand has been a unified kingdom for centuries, and this has helped to create a sense of national unity. Finally, the Thai people have a strong cultural identity. They share a common language, religion, and customs. This cultural identity has helped to bind the Thai people together and to make them resistant to foreign rule. Take Note It is important to note that Thailand was not completely immune to foreign influence. The country was forced to make concessions to the colonial powers, and there was some cultural exchange. However, Thailand was able to maintain its independence and its own unique culture. Thai Government and Politics conventional long form: Kingdom of Thailand conventional short form: Thailand local long form: Ratcha Anachak Thai local short form: Prathet Thai former: Siam Thai Government and Politics Thailand is under a constitutional monarchy. Chief of State is the king  As you can see, Thailand's monarchy system is more similar to Malaysia's than Brunei's. Both Thailand and Malaysia have constitutional monarchies, in which the king is the head of state but has limited powers. Brunei, on the other hand, is an absolute monarchy, in which the sultan has absolute power. One important power of the Thai King is the power of Royal Assent – which means that he has the final say on whether or not a bill becomes law. If the King does not give his Royal Assent to a bill, it cannot become law.  Another difference between the three countries is the level of recent controversy surrounding their monarchies. The Thai monarchy has been the subject of much controversy in recent years, due to the pro- democracy protests in 2020–2021. The Malaysian and Bruneian monarchies have not been as involved in controversy in recent years.  Overall, the three countries have different monarchy systems, with Thailand and Malaysia having constitutional monarchies and Brunei having an absolute monarchy. The Thai monarchy has been more recently involved in controversy than the Malaysian and Bruneian monarchies. Thai Government and Politics Prayut Chan-o-cha is a retired Royal Thai Army officer who is the head of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), a military junta, and concurrently serves as the Prime Minister of Thailand from 2014 to 2023. 30th Thailand Prime Minister Thavisin is a real estate mogul who entered politics in 2019. He is known for his business acumen and his ability to connect with voters. He is also seen as a moderate who is able to work with both the Pheu Thai (major Thai political party and the current ruling party of Thailand) Party's base and the military establishment. 31st Thailand Prime Minister As of 2024, Thailand's Prime Minister is Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. She took office after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from his position by the Constitutional Court in August 2024. Paetongtarn is the youngest prime minister in Thailand's history and the third member of her family to hold the office, following her father Thaksin and her aunt Yingluck Shinawatra.  Here are some of the key differences between the role of the military in these three countries: In Thailand, the military has a long history of intervening in politics. The military has staged 19 coups since 1932, and it has often used its power to suppress dissent and maintain its own interests. In Indonesia, the military's role in politics has declined since the fall of Suharto in 1998. However, the military still retains a significant influence, and it has been accused of human rights abuses in East Timor and Aceh.  In Myanmar, the military is the most powerful institution in the country. It has ruled Myanmar directly for most of its history, and it continues to play a major role in politics even after the transition to civilian rule in 2011. The military has been accused of human rights abuses, including genocide against the Rohingya minority. The role of the military in Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar is a complex issue. The military has played a significant role in the development of these countries, and it continues to wield significant influence. However, the military's role in politics has been controversial, and there have been calls for the military to reduce its influence. Review of past lessons Explain why Thailand was never colonized? Why Thailand was never colonized? Geography Trade and Diplomacy Military strength Strong national identity Review of past lessons Does it mean that since Thailand was never colonized, they were never influenced by any western powers in the past? No, it does not mean that Thailand was never influenced by any Western powers in the past. While Thailand was never colonized by a Western power, it did have significant interactions with Western countries, including Britain, France, and the United States. These interactions led to the granting of trade monopolies, adoption of some Western ideas and practices, such as the establishment of a constitutional monarchy and the introduction of Western education. Review of past lessons What form of government Thailand possess? Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, which means that the king is the head of state but the power is shared with the elected parliament. The current king is Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended to the throne in 2016. The prime minister is Srettha Thavisin, who was elected in 2023. Review of past lessons How does the Thai King compare to the Sultan of Brunei? Sources: Southeast Asia in the New International Arena, Robert Dayley CIA World Fact Book https://www.vox.com/2020/1/24/21075149/king-thailand-maha-vajiralongkorn-facebook-video-tattoos https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/09/asia/brunei-sultan-intl/index.html https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/apr/14/sultan-of-brunei-hassanal-bolkiah-uk-properties Review of past lessons What major problem affects the political progress in Thailand? Aside from the perennial problem of corruption and lack of transparency in the government, the constant military intervention in Thai politics has had a negative impact on the country's development. It has undermined democracy, stifled dissent, eroded trust in the government, and strengthened the power of the monarchy. It is essential for Thailand to find a way to break the cycle of military intervention and establish a stable and democratic political system. Foreign Relations China–Thailand relations officially started in November 1975 after years of negotiations. For a long time, Thailand, which used to be called Siam, was a very strong and loyal Sinophilic country. China was usually greatly respected in Siam and ensured the alliance of both countries. Source: https://www.pewre search.org/global/2 014/07/14/chapter- 2-chinas-image/ Foreign Relations Dr. Mely Caballero- Anthony, a political expert from the ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute, said that a power struggle between the United States and China may be occurring because of the escalating presence of both in Thailand. Foreign Relations The Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC), a Hong Kong-based risk consultancy firm that specializes in Asia, said that China remains as an important ally to Thailand, partly because of its influence and prominence in the region. Transnational Issues Separatist violence in Thailand's predominantly Malay-Muslim southern provinces prompt border closures and controls with Malaysia to stem insurgent activities. Transnational Issues Talks continue on completion of demarcation with Laos but disputes remain over several islands in the Mekong River Despite continuing border committee talks, Thailand must deal with Karen and other ethnic rebels, refugees, and illegal cross- border activities Transnational Issues Stateless Rohingya refugees from Burma are considered illegal migrants by Thai authorities and are detained in inhumane conditions or expelled Children born to Burmese refugees are not eligible for Burmese or Thai citizenship and are stateless Comparing Thailand with the rest of ASEAN members in terms of GDP Why GDP? Measuring a country's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is essential for several reasons: Economic Health Indicator Policymaking Investment Decisions International Comparisons Standard of Living Why GDP? However, it's important to note that GDP has limitations. It doesn't account for factors like income inequality, environmental impact, or social well-being. Therefore, while GDP is a valuable tool, it should be used in conjunction with other economic and social indicators to get a more comprehensive picture of a country's overall development. ASEAN Richest country from 1960-2023 Take note GDP per capita is a measure of a country's economic output divided by its population. It is calculated by taking the gross domestic product (GDP) of a country and dividing it by the population of that country. In simple terms, GDP per capita is the average amount of money that each person in a country earns. It is a measure of the standard of living in a country. The latest CPI was released in January 2023. It shows that the overall level of corruption in Southeast Asia has remained relatively stable in recent years. However, there are some notable differences between countries. Singapore has consistently ranked as the least corrupt country in Southeast Asia, while Myanmar and Indonesia have consistently ranked as the most corrupt. Transparency International categorizes countries according to their CPI score as follows: Very clean: CPI score of 90 or above Clean: CPI score of 80-89 Moderately corrupt: CPI score of 60-79 Corrupt: CPI score of 30-59 Highly corrupt: CPI score of 0-29 There are a number of factors that contribute to corruption in Southeast Asia. These include weak institutions, a lack of transparency, and a culture of impunity. Corruption can have a negative impact on economic development, investment, and the rule of law. State of Thai Corruption Corruption in Thailand is perceived to be very high. According to the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023 by Transparency International, Thailand scored 34 out of 100, which means that corruption is perceived to be widespread. Based on the discussion so far, how could this be? Source: Human Development Report 2022 The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) categorizes countries according to their Human Development Index (HDI) score as follows: Very high human development: HDI score of 0.800 or above High human development: HDI score of 0.700-0.799 Medium human development: HDI score of 0.550- 0.699 Low human development: HDI score of 0.350-0.549 Very low human development: HDI score of 0.349 or below State of Human Development in Thailand The state of human development in Thailand is mixed. The country has made significant progress in recent decades, but there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. According to the Human Development Index (HDI), Thailand is classified as a "very high human development" country. How Thailand managed to have a high human development despite high level of corruption? Thailand has a high human development index despite its high level of corruption. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this, including: How Thailand managed to have a high human development despite high level of corruption? Economic growth: Thailand has experienced sustained economic growth in recent decades. This has led to an increase in income and living standards for many Thais. Reference: "Human Development Report 2020" by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). How Thailand managed to have a high human development despite high level of corruption? Investment in education and healthcare: The Thai government has invested heavily in education and healthcare. This has led to improvements in the quality of education and healthcare available to Thai citizens. Reference: Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, World Bank reports on Thailand's education sector. How Thailand managed to have a high human development despite high level of corruption? Tourism: Thailand is a popular tourist destination. This has brought in foreign investment and helped to create jobs. Reference: "Thailand's Tourism and Leisure Market: A Global M&A Perspective" by Deloitte. How Thailand managed to have a high human development despite high level of corruption? Strong social safety net: The Thai government has a strong social safety net in place. This provides financial assistance to those who are poor or unemployed. Reference: Thailand's Ministry of Public Health, World Bank reports on Thailand's education sector. The Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index The Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index is a ranking of countries' democracies based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, functioning of government, political participation, and political culture. A score of 10 is considered a perfect democracy, while a score of 0 is considered a non-democracy. The Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index Countries are ranked on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the highest score. Countries are then categorized into four groups: Full democracies: Countries with a score of 8 or above. Flawed democracies: Countries with a score of 6.5 to 7.9. Hybrid regimes: Countries with a score of 4.0 to 6.4. Authoritarian regimes: Countries with a score of 0 to 3.9. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit Democracy Index 2022, Thailand is a flawed democracy because of the following reasons: Electoral process and pluralism: The electoral process in Thailand is not fully free and fair. There are restrictions on the registration of political parties and on the ability of candidates to campaign. The military has also intervened in politics on several occasions, most recently in 2014. Civil liberties: Civil liberties in Thailand are not fully respected. There are restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of assembly. The government has also been accused of using surveillance to monitor its citizens. Functioning of government: The functioning of government in Thailand is not fully transparent or accountable. There is a lack of checks and balances on the power of the executive branch. The government has also been accused of corruption. Political participation: Political participation in Thailand is not fully inclusive. There are barriers to participation for women, ethnic minorities, and rural communities. Political culture: Political culture in Thailand is not fully democratic. There is a lack of trust in the government and in the political process. There is also a culture of impunity for those who violate human rights. Going back to our lessons….. How is Thailand’s relationship with China and US? What are the transnational issues Thailand is facing? Are there any similarities with the Philippines? How is Thailand compared to the rest of ASEAN states in terms of the following: GDP per capita? Corruption perception? Human development? Level of Democracy? ABPOLSC 006  7,107 islands (Luzon holds 90% of the population) An estimated population of 110 million Over 170 languages are spoken around the islands Religious makeup reflects Spanish and American colonial influences 81% Catholics, 12% Protestant and Evangelical groups, 5% Islam (2019) Per capita income of $2,210 (largely poor)  Negritos are the first inhabitants followed by Malays and Indons Barter system between and among villages and foreign traders Barangay system of governance Arrival of Spaniards gave way to colonial government Governor General, Cortes, Audiencia American Colonial Government Japanese Sponsored government (Puppet government) Independence Dictatorship and People Power  The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government. This means that the president is both the head of state and the head of government. The president is directly elected by the people and serves a term of six years. The president cannot be re-elected. The government of the Philippines is divided into three branches: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.  The executive branch is headed by the president and includes the vice president, the cabinet, and the bureaucracy. The executive branch is responsible for carrying out the laws passed by the legislature. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate has 24 members, who are elected by the people to serve six-year terms. The House of Representatives has 250 members, who are elected by the people to serve three-year terms. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court and includes the lower courts. The Supreme Court has 15 justices, who are appointed by the president with the consent of the Senate. The lower courts are responsible for interpreting the laws and resolving legal disputes.  Corruption: Corruption is a major problem in the Philippines. It is estimated that billions of pesos are lost to corruption each year. Corruption undermines public trust in the government and makes it difficult to achieve economic development. Political instability: The Philippines has a long history of political instability. There have been numerous coups and rebellions in recent decades. Political instability makes it difficult to implement reforms and to attract foreign investment. Poverty: Poverty is a major problem in the Philippines. About a quarter of the population lives below the poverty line. Poverty contributes to social unrest and makes it difficult to improve the quality of life for the people.  Philippines along with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand are the founding members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations The Philippines is a founding member of the United Nations; an elected member of the Security Council and participant in the FAO, International Labour Organization (ILO), UNESCO and World Health Organization (UN 2007;2008) Like most nations, the Philippines is a signatory of Interpol Declaring itself as independent of any major power block of nations, the Philippines is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement  Foreign relations of the Philippines are administered by the President of the Philippines and the Department of Foreign Affairs Economically, the Philippines is a participant in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Asian Development Bank, the Colombo Plan, Group of 24, G-20, G-77, the World Bank, Next Eleven and the World Trade Organization (WTO).  Philippine foreign policy is based on the advancement of Filipino ideals and values, which include the advancement of democracy and advocacy for human rights worldwide Ties to the United States have affected Filipino international relations. The Republic of the Philippines considers itself a staunch ally of the United States and has supported many points of American foreign policy It has been a supporter of East Timor since the latter's independence and has expanded trade links with its traditional allies Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Relations with Vietnam and Cambodia have thawed in the 1990s after their entry into the ASEAN.  Relations with other Asian nations have been strong. Japan, which has been an active donor of aid, has close ties with the country. Relations with China have recently been expanded, especially with regards to the economy. The presence of a large South Korean expatriate community has led to the expansion of relations between the two nations. India has also been an important partner, as have countries outside of Asia such as Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Saudi Arabia.  The Armed Forces of the Philippines has been a participant in various regional conflicts, including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Recently, the Philippines sent peacekeeping forces to Iraq, in addition to civilian doctors, nurses and police. However, the Filipino mission was later recalled as collateral for the release of a Filipino hostage. As part of a UN Peacekeeping Operation, Philippine Army General Jaime de los Santos became the first commander of troops responsible for maintaining order in East Timor.  The Philippines is in tension with rival international claimants to various land and water territories in the South China Sea. The Philippines is currently in dispute with the People's Republic of China over the Malampaya gas fields. The two countries are also in dispute over the Scarborough Shoal. Additionally, the Philippines has a disputed claim over the Spratly Islands.  The profit sharing between the Philippine government and Chevron and Shell in the Malampaya project is 60:40 in favor of the government. This means that the government receives 60% of the net proceeds from the project, while the two companies share the remaining 40%. This profit-sharing arrangement is outlined in the Service Contract 38 (SC 38), which governs the Malampaya project. The government's share is a significant source of revenue for the Philippines, contributing to the country's economic development and energy security.  The shutdown of Malampaya would have significant implications for the Philippines. As a major source of natural gas, Malampaya supplies fuel to several power plants, contributing a significant portion of the country's electricity generation. Increased electricity rates Power shortages Economic impact Energy security concerns  Philippines is involve in both island and maritime claims among several sovereign states within the region, namely Brunei, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan), Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam There are disputes concerning both the Spratly and the Paracel islands, as well as maritime boundaries in the Gulf of Tonkin and elsewhere  The interests of different nations include acquiring fishing areas around the two archipelagos; the potential exploitation of suspected crude oil and natural gas under the waters of various parts of the South China Sea; and the strategic control of important shipping lanes  It refers to the demarcation line used initially by the government of the Republic of China (ROC / Taiwan), and subsequently also by the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC), for their claims of the major part of the South China Sea (SCS). The contested area in the SCS includes the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands, and various other areas including the Pratas Islands, the Macclesfield Bank and the Scarborough Shoal. The claim encompasses the area of Chinese land reclamation known as the "great wall of sand". Chinese reclamation and construction of artificial islands in Spratly  BRP Rajah Humabon BRP Gregorio Del Pilar BRP Ramon Alcaraz BRP Jose Rizal  Official ASEAN Website Official Gazette BBC News Online Official United Nations Website Dayley, Robert “Southeast Asia in the New International Era INDONESIA Profile Indonesia, country located off the coast of mainland Southeast Asia in the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is an archipelago that lies across the Equator and spans a distance equivalent to one-eighth of Earth’s circumference. The capital, Jakarta, is located near the northwestern coast of Java. In the early 21st century Indonesia was the most populous country in Southeast Asia and the fourth most populous in the world. Profile Its islands can be grouped into the Greater Sunda Islands of Sumatra (Sumatera), Java (Jawa), the southern extent of Borneo (Kalimantan), and Celebes (Sulawesi); the Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara) of Bali and a chain of islands that runs eastward through Timor; the Moluccas (Maluku) between Celebes and the island of New Guinea; and the western extent of New Guinea (generally known as Papua). Profile The current population of Indonesia is 279.5 million (2023) Indonesia population is equivalent to 3.5% of the total world population. Indonesia ranks number 4 in the list of countries by population. Profile Religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism , Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism Largest Muslim population in the world 90% Muslim, 300 ethnic groups, 700 languages/ dialects History Indonesia was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies (or Netherlands East Indies). Although Indonesia did not become the country’s official name until the time of independence, the name was used as early as 1884 by a German geographer; it is thought to derive from the Greek indos, meaning “India,” and nesos, meaning “island.” After a period of occupation by the Japanese (1942–45) during World War II, Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands in 1945 History Its struggle for independence, however, continued until 1949, when the Dutch officially recognized Indonesian sovereignty. It was not until the United Nations (UN) acknowledged the western segment of New Guinea as part of Indonesia in 1969 that the country took on its present form. The former Portuguese territory of East Timor (Timor-Leste) was incorporated into Indonesia in 1976. Following a UN-organized referendum in 1999, however, East Timor declared its independence and became fully sovereign in 2002. Government and Politics The politics of Indonesia take place in the framework of a presidential representative democratic republic whereby the President of Indonesia is both head of state and head of government and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the bicameral People's Consultative Assembly. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. Indonesian President Joko Widodo Indonesian President Joko Widodo Government and Politics The 1945 constitution provided for a limited separation of executive, legislative and judicial power. The governmental system has been described as "presidential with parliamentary characteristics". Following the Indonesian riots of May 1998 and the resignation of President Suharto, several political reforms were set in motion via amendments to the Constitution of Indonesia, which resulted in changes to all branches of government. Government and Politics The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Indonesia a "flawed democracy" in 2019. Indonesia's political parties have been characterized as cartel parties with extensive power-sharing among parties and limited accountability to voters. Why Indonesia's government is a flawed democracy according to The Economist Intelligence Unit? Corruption: Indonesia has struggled with corruption at various levels of government and society. Corruption can undermine the principles of democracy, such as accountability and transparency, and erode public trust in institutions. Lack of Press Freedom: The country faced challenges related to press freedom, with concerns about restrictions on media and journalists facing threats and violence in some instances. A free press is crucial for a healthy democracy. Why Indonesia's government is a flawed democracy according to The Economist Intelligence Unit? Political Stability: While Indonesia has held regular elections, the country has also faced political instability, with instances of political polarization and tensions between different groups. Weak Rule of Law: Issues related to the rule of law, including concerns about judicial independence and the effectiveness of law enforcement, can affect the functioning of a democracy. Why Indonesia's government is a flawed democracy according to The Economist Intelligence Unit? Human Rights Concerns: Concerns about human rights, including issues related to minority rights and religious freedom, were raised by international observers. Election Irregularities: During elections, there have been allegations of irregularities and challenges related to the integrity of the electoral process. Economy and Transparency Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia, has seen a slowdown in growth since 2012, mostly due to the end of the commodities export boom. During the global financial crisis, Indonesia outperformed its regional neighbors and joined China and India as the only G20 members posting growth. Transnational Issues Terror groups: Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (aka Jemaah Anshorut Daulah) and Jemaah Islamiyah Indonesia has a stated foreign policy objective of establishing stable fixed land and maritime boundaries with all of its neighbors Three stretches of land borders with Timor-Leste have yet to be delimited, two of which are in the Oecussi exclave area, and no maritime or Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) boundaries have been established between the countries Transnational Issues All borders between Indonesia and Australia have been agreed upon bilaterally, but a 1997 treaty that would settle the last of their maritime and EEZ boundary has yet to be ratified by Indonesia's legislature Land and maritime negotiations with Malaysia are ongoing, and disputed areas include the controversial Tanjung Datu and Camar Wulan border area in Borneo and the maritime boundary in the Ambalat oil block in the Celebes Sea Transnational Issues Indonesia and Singapore continue to work on finalizing their 1973 maritime boundary agreement by defining unresolved areas north of Indonesia's Batam Island Chinese incursions on Indonesian waters Foreign relations with USA and China Indonesia has maintained complex and multifaceted diplomatic relations with both China and the United States. These relationships are often influenced by geopolitical considerations, economic interests, and domestic factors. Indonesia and China have a long-standing historical relationship dating back centuries. In recent decades, their bilateral ties have significantly strengthened due to economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships. Foreign relations with USA and China Indonesia and the United States have had a strong bilateral relationship since the country's independence. The US has been a major source of foreign aid and investment for Indonesia. Overall, Indonesia's relationships with China and the US are complex and dynamic. While both countries are important economic partners, there are also underlying geopolitical and strategic considerations that influence their interactions. Indonesia has sought to balance its relationships with both powers, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by its strategic location.