Anti-regime militias, led by the Karen National Union (KNU), have captured the strategic border city of Myawaddy from Myanmar's ruling junta, marking a significant victory in the ongoing civil war. The KNU, part of a coalition with the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and the National Unity Government (NUG), now controls most of Karen state and is seeking direct talks with Thailand. The PDF has also launched drone strikes on key military bases, leveraging advancements in long-range drones. Despite the conflict, the KNU is working to restore order in Myawaddy, distributing food and redeploying captured military equipment.

Vietnam is set to establish full diplomatic relations with the Vatican, marking a significant milestone since the severance of ties in 1975. This development follows 25 years of gradual diplomacy, culminating in the appointment of Archbishop Marek Zalewski as Vietnam's first papal nuncio. The Vatican aims to enhance religious freedom in Vietnam, although the government retains some control over religious activities. The normalization of relations is expected to boost Vietnam's international standing and improve its diplomatic leverage, particularly with the U.S. However, human rights concerns persist, with reports of political prisoners and calls for an end to persecution of critics. Pope Francis's primary focus remains the pastoral care of Vietnamese Catholics, and the upcoming papal tour is seen as a diplomatic success.

Vietnam is set to fully establish diplomatic relations with the Vatican, highlighted by Pope Francis's expected papal tour later this year, marking a significant milestone since the severance of ties in 1975. This development follows decades of gradual diplomatic efforts, including the establishment of a Joint Working Group in 2009 and the recent appointment of Archbishop Marek Zalewski as Vietnam’s first papal nuncio. The Vatican aims to promote greater religious freedom in Vietnam, which recognizes the Catholic Church's social contributions. The anticipated papal tour is seen as a diplomatic success, potentially enhancing Vietnam's international standing and addressing concerns over religious freedom and human rights.

Mechai Viravaidya, known as 'Mr. Condom,' has been a pivotal figure in Thailand's family planning efforts for the past 50 years. His initiatives, including the establishment of the Population and Community Development Association and the Cabbages and Condoms restaurant, have significantly reduced the country's birth rate and promoted safe sex practices. Currently, he focuses on rural education through the Bamboo Schools program and supports elderly Thais via a network of temples providing housing, healthcare, and food.

Phil Robertson, Deputy Director for Asia at Human Rights Watch, has led investigations into human rights violations in Southeast Asia for 15 years, highlighting issues such as labor rights, migrant safety, and counter-human trafficking. He discusses the increasing cooperation among regional governments in transnational repression, leading to the jailing, disappearances, and suspected killings of political activists. The article also touches on the declining media standards in Southeast Asia and Western countries, with a specific mention of journalist Antoinette Lattoufe's dismissal in Australia for reposting an HRW statement.

Abdul Taib Mahmud, the long-time leader of Sarawak, Malaysia, has been laid to rest following his death at 87. Known for amassing significant wealth and facing numerous corruption allegations, Taib's legacy remains controversial. His tenure saw significant deforestation and economic disparity in Sarawak. Despite investigations by various organizations, he escaped prosecution. His death has sparked a family dispute over his assets, with calls for renewed investigations into his wealth.

Michael Karnavas, an American-trained lawyer with extensive experience in war crimes and genocide cases, has worked in various international tribunals and has defended notable figures such as Ieng Sary and Meas Muth. The hybrid structure of the Khmer Rouge tribunal, where he worked, could serve as a model for future war crimes trials. Karnavas discussed the legal precedents established in Cambodia and the charge of aggression with The Diplomat's Luke Hunt. He also writes about the definition of genocide, which is relevant to South Africa's attempts to prosecute Israel in the International Court of Justice. Karnavas has consulted on complex legal cases, trained legal teams, and taught advocacy and ethics to legal professionals.

Cambodia is attempting to attract Western investors and goodwill, targeting countries like the US, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany, after an influx of Chinese investment and a crackdown on political opposition. Despite growth, the economy faces risks such as the slowdown in China, high private debt, and climate change. The IMF has called for governance and anti-corruption reforms to attract investment. Cambodia's ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index has dropped, indicating persistent corruption. The US, UK, and Canada have imposed sanctions on criminal elements. French President Macron faced criticism for hosting Hun Manet and agreeing to a $235 million aid package. Cambodia's real estate sector is in crisis, and the government is offering incentives to reboot construction. Hun Manet's government continues the hardline policies of his father, Hun Sen, and blames external factors for Cambodia's issues. A significant change in attitude and effective handling of corruption is needed before Western investment is likely to return.

Cambodia is actively seeking to attract Western investors and goodwill, which had diminished due to a surge of Chinese investment and political repression starting in 2016. Despite reporting over five percent annual growth, the economy faces significant risks, including a slowdown in China and high private debt. The IMF has highlighted the need for governance and anti-corruption reforms to attract foreign investment. Cambodia's corruption ranking has worsened, according to Transparency International. The government, now led by Hun Manet after a transfer of power from his father Hun Sen, continues to enforce hardline political policies and has been criticized for blaming external factors for its challenges. Western investment is seen as crucial, but a change in attitude and effective anti-corruption measures are needed for it to materialize.

Phil Robertson, Deputy Director for Asia at Human Rights Watch, has led investigations into human rights violations in Southeast Asia for 15 years, highlighting issues such as labor rights and counter-human trafficking. He discusses the increasing transnational repression by regional governments, leading to the jailing, disappearances, and suspected killings of political activists, including those with UN refugee protection. The article also touches on declining media standards in Southeast Asia and Western countries, with a specific mention of journalist Antoinette Lattoufe's dismissal in Australia.