Southeast Asia in May 2026: the most important developments in security
In May 2026, the most widely reported security event in Southeast Asia was an explosion at an ammunition depot in Myanmar, which killed more than 50 people by the end of the month.
In the Philippines, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte was in a standoff with law enforcement as authorities sought to execute an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Indonesia deployed military personnel and equipment to secure the upcoming ASEAN Summit. In Thailand, the foreign ministry shortened the visa-free stay for foreign visitors, citing national security, and Prime Minister Anutin vowed a crackdown on local mafia after public beach encroachment in Phuket. Reports also described rising levels of sexual violence against Rohingya women under the Arakan Army in Myanmar.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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