Stefano Vecchia

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is due to rule on the charges of crimes against humanity involving the former Philippine president over killings he allegedly ordered during the war on drugs. Now in his eighties, Duterte has been under arrest in the Netherlands for almost a year, but his figure continues to be a source of division back home. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Türk has called on the Philippines to rejoin the Rome Statute.

Last year, the economy expanded by 5 per cent, far more than official government forecasts. In the budget, Prime Minister Wong calls for cooperation to ensure greater benefits and rights. Growth forecast this year is 2 to 4 per cent. Artificial intelligence is seen as a booster for employment and well-being.

Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NAAC) has charged 44 members of the reformist party that came second in Sunday's elections with “ethical violations”. In fact, in 2021, they had proposed amendments to Article 112, which over time had become a tool for suppressing critical voices. The mandates of some parliamentarians are in the balance, and they are expected to resign before the verdict. The United Nations is calling for changes to the controversial legislation.

A report by the humanitarian organisation Fortify Rights denounces prisonlike living conditions on the island, where the Bangladeshi government relocated tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar. Created to relieve pressure on the Cox's Bazar camps after the 2017 exodus, the island has become a de facto penal colony, where people are denied freedom of movement and employment opportunities.

Thailand’s National Security Council laid down the principles to manage the border crisis with Cambodia. Concerns remain over Chinese military support for Phnom Penh, even though Beijing downplays the issue. The murderer of Lim Kimya, a former Cambodian lawmaker who opposed Hun Sen, has been sentenced to life in prison. The reasons for the act are still unknown.

The ASEAN-brokered ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia appears to be holding despite Thai military reports of fresh Cambodian violations. More than 300,000 people have been forced to flee their homes. US tariffs on both countries and the political crisis in Bangkok hover in the background. The Constitutional Court's ruling on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is expected on 4 August, with the potential of changing the balance of power between the civilian government and the military establishment.

During Marcos’s visit to the White House, the US president confirmed only slightly lower than expected tariffs on Philippine exports. Manila hopes to lower them to 15 per cent, while security in the South China Sea and containing China’s claims remain in the background.

Cambodia accuses Thailand of opening fire. The territorial dispute once again involves the area around the Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear temples. Since late May, tensions between the two Southeast Asian countries have increased, both of which are also grappling with domestic issues. China has offered to mediate.

Four million people from Myanmar are in the neighbouring country, half without proper documentation. Human Rights Watch reports that since the 2021 coup that plunged Myanmar into civil war, Thailand’s treats Myanmar nationals differently from Cambodians and Laotians. “Thai authorities should take steps in line with international standards,” HRW says.

The Thai prime minister finds herself in an increasingly unstable situation after she loses a coalition partner and pro-monarchy nationalists hold rallies following border tensions with Cambodia. A possible military coup hangs over the country, but the opposition urges the armed forces to avoid intervening.

The second-largest party in the ruling coalition is ready to quit the Pheu Thai-led government. The crisis was triggered by an audio between Prime Minister Paetongtarn and a former Cambodian prime minister, in which they discussed the recent border clash. Various scenarios are now possible in the country, from new alliances to military intervention.

Violence is on the rise and increasingly involves younger participants, including children from primary schools. Authorities have so far responded with limited action, while social media platforms continue to amplify the phenomenon. Many of the confrontations are sparked by trivial reasons. Among the underlying causes are growing frustration and aggression during childhood and adolescence.