If ASEAN evolve into something like the EU and demand its members to have freedom of speech and etc.. will Vietnam change or will leave ASEAN?

Does the EU ask for that? It only for economy isn't it?

"Human rights, democracy and the rule of law are core values of the European Union. Embedded in its founding treaty, they have been reinforced by the adoption of a Charter of Fundamental Rights. Respect for human rights is a prerequisite for countries seeking to join the Union and a precondition for countries who have concluded trade and other agreements with it. Find out more... " from the website. http://europa.eu.int/pol/rights/index_en.htm

The ASEAN won't ask for that then. Even if it did, it wouldn't do any good. Read the UN charter of Human Rights and see if that means anything to its members.

For economic benefits I think Vietnam will change.

No way.

The EU is trying to become one giant nation. They have the same currency, no border checks, an EU citizen can live, work, or go to school anywhere within the borders, laws are becoming standardized.

vietnam should lead the way for all southeast asian countries.

With a communist government? I don't think any other Southeast Asians will give in maybe except for Laos..

not so much in terms of political govt. but in economic and military.

they go hand in hand.

that's true but in the not so distant future, vietnam will be on top in SEA. it will be a modernized industrious country. we'll help improve the economy in other SEA countries by getting our companies to invest there and improve the military capabilities of other SEA nations.