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.

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.

The World Bank's latest report on Myanmar paints a grim picture of the country's economic situation, with inflation at 28.6% and the kyat currency falling by 18% against the U.S. dollar. The escalation of armed conflict has disrupted lives, trade routes, and heightened economic uncertainty. Over half a million people have been displaced since late October, adding to the 2 million already displaced, with the UN estimating that over 18 million people in Myanmar will need humanitarian aid in 2024. The World Bank notes the constrained fiscal space, increased migration due to conflict and economic decline, and disruptions to trade, particularly with China, Thailand, and India. Despite the bleak outlook, the report suggests potential for growth in Myanmar's garment industry.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is expected to initiate a bureaucratic shake-up following his first 100 days in office, which coincided with a successful Water Festival. The shake-up is anticipated around the Senate elections on February 25, with a focus on the oknha title holders. Some oknhas have been linked to human trafficking and corruption, drawing ire from China, Cambodia's chief foreign benefactor. China is pressing for the elimination of criminal activities by oknhas, especially in Sihanoukville, as highlighted in a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime. Beijing is also concerned about the negative impact of Chinese-associated gangs on its reputation and is reluctant to encourage Chinese investors and tourists to return to Cambodia. The Chinese government has cracked down on telecom fraud originating from northern Myanmar, reflecting the scale of regional issues tied to organized crime syndicates in Cambodia.

Cambodia celebrates the return of dragon boat races at the Water Festival after a three-year hiatus, with hopes that the event will boost tourism and aid economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Khmer-American lawyer Theary Seng, serving a six-year sentence for treason in Cambodia, has been transferred to Prey Sar prison in Phnom Penh, sparking hope for her early release amid renewed U.S. financial aid. Theary, a political prisoner, became a symbol of resistance against the former Prime Minister Hun Sen's crackdown on opposition. With Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, now in power, there is speculation about potential policy changes. Theary's health and spirits are reportedly good, and her case has attracted international attention, including from U.S. diplomats and human rights lawyer Jared Genser. The U.S. Senate's threat of sanctions and the release of withheld aid signal possible diplomatic efforts for her release. Theary's conviction, based on her past political activism and support for opposition leader Sam Rainy, is seen as disproportionate, especially given her recent non-political life.

David Gum Awng, deputy minister of international cooperation for Myanmar's National Unity Government, discusses the future of the NUG and its armed wing, the Peoples Defense Force, the struggle against the military junta, and the role of Aung San Suu Kyi in the movement. He expresses optimism about ASEAN's role, despite past failures to initiate talks with the NUG, and highlights the need for ASEAN to align with Western sanctions, particularly regarding arms and aviation fuel sales.

Cambodia's ruling party, the CPP, has confirmed Hun Manet as the new prime minister, following a national election where the party won 120 of 125 seats amid criticism of being 'rigged.' This generational shift in leadership, which includes the children of senior cabinet ministers inheriting portfolios, solidifies Hun Sen's power structure. The country faces challenges such as a tarnished international image due to one-sided elections, corruption, human trafficking, and its close ties with China. With China's economy in poor condition and a lack of expected post-pandemic investment, Hun Manet must navigate these issues to attract foreign investment and revitalize the tourism industry.

A dispute between Australian billionaires Andrew Forrest and Mike Cannon-Brookes over the world's largest solar farm project, Solar Cable, has been resolved, with Cannon-Brookes taking control. The $35 billion project aims to sell electricity to Southeast Asia, including Singapore, via a 4,500-kilometer HVDC cable. This development challenges Laos's ambition to be the 'battery of Southeast Asia' through hydropower, as the Solar Cable project could undercut the need for more dams and offer competitive pricing. Construction is set to begin next year in Australia, and Singapore's green energy needs are expected to rise, potentially exceeding the 1.75 GW that Solar Cable has agreed to supply.

Cambodia is creating an action plan to address over 1,100 unfinished structures in Sihanoukville, which were left by Chinese investors amid the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative aims to revitalize the city, known for its gambling industry.

Darryl Collins, an Australian author who dedicated nearly three decades to documenting and restoring Cambodia's cultural heritage, passed away at 76 in Siem Reap. His work included revitalizing the National Museum in Phnom Penh and authoring significant books on Cambodian architecture. His contributions are celebrated by colleagues and friends, who emphasize his impact on Cambodia's new generation of scholars and his dedication to preserving the nation's heritage.

The Phnom Penh Post, a newspaper operating for over 30 years in Cambodia's capital, announced it will cease publishing its English and Khmer editions by the end of March 2024 due to declining revenue and readership. The closure adds to concerns about press freedom in Cambodia, which has been under pressure since the government's crackdown on political opposition about eight years ago. Founded by Americans Michael Hayes and Kathleen O’Keefe in 1992, the newspaper is recognized for its independent journalism and role in nurturing young journalists.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, known for its culture of impunity, attracts various criminals such as Gottfrid Svartholm Warg of The Pirate Bay, who was deported for copyright infringements. The city is a haven for crooks, gunrunners, terrorists, and pedophiles due to lax law enforcement and corruption. High-profile cases include Patrick Devillers' involvement in the Bo Xilai scandal, Roger Graham's assisted-suicide program, and Alexander Trofimov's sexual abuse charges and subsequent pardon. Money and connections can buy freedom or protection, as seen with Thaksin Shinawatra's advisory role to Prime Minister Hun Sen, despite his corruption charges in Thailand.

The Hazara community in Australia, particularly in the suburb of Ormond, is anxious following the sinking of a boat carrying Afghan asylum seekers. Hasan Jafari, a Hazara and owner of the Doner Kebab Inn, reflects on the persecution of Hazaras and the necessity for them to seek refuge. Australia's policy, under Prime Minister Julia Gillard, to divert refugees to detention centers in Nauru and Papua New Guinea for processing is seen as a response to electoral pressures rather than humanitarian concerns. The policy has led to a surge in asylum-seekers attempting the dangerous journey by sea. Refugees in Australia face polarized attitudes, with some Australians accepting them, especially those from Afghanistan. Jafari, a former refugee himself, is now a community figure, assisting other Hazara refugees through the Shamama Association of Australia.