Southeast Asia in April 2026: the most important developments in security
In Southeast Asia in April 2026, the most covered security story was the arrest of former Philippine congressman Zaldy Co in Prague, which President Marcos announced on April 16. Co was wanted in a corruption case.
The Iran war also touched the region. Thailand's foreign minister Sihasak confirmed on April 8 that three Thai crew members had died and sought safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The Philippines prepared to bring 166 of its citizens home from the region. Thailand's air force clarified the presence of US military flights at Krabi airport, and the Thai prime minister ordered an investigation into suspected oil hoarding.
On defence, the Philippines opened a new coast guard command in the Spratly Islands, and the Philippines, the US and allies discussed an ammunition depot on Luzon. Singapore's prime minister Lawrence Wong said the country must pay attention to defence if the global order falls apart. An intelligence brief linked Philippine offshore gaming operators to wider unlawful activity.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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