Power

Political reporting and analysis on the big questions facing the region.

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 02, 2020 • 6 min read

Analysis The art of political jiu-jitsu and Thailand’s student revolution

By Mark S. Cogan • Oct 02, 2020
As the youth-led social movement gathers speed in Thailand, professor Mark S. Cogan reflects on the successes and failures of other protests to outline what essential tools of non-violent political action demonstrators have at their disposal

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Sep 28, 2020 • 8 min read

Analysis Dong Tam death sentences dim hopes for land rights reform in Vietnam

By Jake Black • Sep 28, 2020
The Dong Tam case once offered a glimmer of hope for those advocating for land rights reform in Vietnam. But with the conviction and sentencing to death of two men this month, the Communist Party has reaffirmed its grip on land and power

Power • STORY OF THE DAY • Sep 24, 2020 • 2 min read

Cambodian democracy Cambodian opposition activists sentenced for treason

By Agence France-Presse • Sep 24, 2020
Seven Cambodian activists have been convicted of treason this week over comments posted online supporting an exiled opposition figure, their lawyer said on September 24, deepening the Kingdom's crackdown on dissent

Power • Sep 21, 2020 • 5 min read
Myanmar elections

Ousted and outspoken: The lady taking on The Lady in Myanmar

Booted from Aung San Suu Kyi's "chaotic and autocratic" party, female MP Thet Thet Khine is now taking on Myanmar's national heroine in the upcoming election, claiming the country needs to work with, not against, a military accused of genocide
By Richard Sargent/AFP • Sep 21, 2020

Power • Sep 21, 2020 • 8 min read
Analysis

A night of surprises, as Thai taboos pushed further than ever before

In a year of bold protests in Thailand, this weekend's demonstrations once again caused a stir. A plaque challenging the monarchy was placed and a 10-point reform document delivered to authorities as protestors continued to push boundaries
By Tara Abhasakun and Wanpen Pajai • Sep 21, 2020

Power • Sep 21, 2020 • 5 min read
Analysis

Twin bombings add fuel to the fire for Philippines’ troubled south

A deadly twin attack at the end of last month in the restive southern Philippines serves as a stark reminder that, despite the pandemic, there is still much work to be done to drive violence and extremism out the region
By Rebekah Baynard-Smith • Sep 21, 2020

Power • Sep 18, 2020 • 7 min read
Analysis

From Thaksin to Thammasat: How the 2006 coup led us here

On September 19 2006, the government of Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a military coup. While 14 years have passed since that day, a large demonstration set to be held at Thammasat University this weekend marking the date shows the significance of this event is not lost on current protestors
By Tara Abhasakun and Wanpen Pajai • Sep 18, 2020

Power • Sep 15, 2020 • 2 min read
Human trafficking

Vietnam jails four people over Britain truck tragedy

Vietnam jailed four people on September 14 over their roles in the death of 39 migrants found in a refrigerated truck in Britain last year, state media has announced
By Agence France-Presse • Sep 15, 2020

Power • Sep 15, 2020 • 8 min read
Opinion

‘An all-time low’: Cambodia’s search for peace and democracy continues

Cambodia has undergone a shrinking of democratic space and human rights in recent years, with this gathering pace again with the arrest of Rong Chhun and other activists in recent months. This Democracy Day, CCHR's Chak Sopheap marks the occasion by outlining where the Kingdom is going wrong
By Chak Sopheap • Sep 15, 2020

Power • Sep 11, 2020 • 7 min read
Art and politics

Art reflecting life: The boundary-pushing work of Thai artist Baphoboy

Through smiles and sexualised ultra-violent imagery depicting authority figures, the controversial and striking work of young Thai artist Baphoboy holds a mirror up to the kingdom's elite with the aim of drawing a wider audience to politics
By Wanpen Pajai • Sep 11, 2020

Power • Sep 10, 2020 • 8 min read
Myanmar politics

For Rohingya politicians, Myanmar’s election lies increasingly out of reach

The upcoming parliamentary contest is seen as a crucial milestone in the democratisation of ultra-diverse Myanmar. But the country’s lingering embrace of ethnic-based levels of citizenship stands to make the ballot yet another barrier to those suffering state repression
By Andrew Haffner • Sep 10, 2020