Interview



STORY OF THE DAY • Oct 13, 2016 • 3 min read

End of an era: a look at the life of King Bhumibol Adulyadej

By Southeast Asia Globe • Oct 13, 2016
After more than 70 years as monarch of Thailand, King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s reign has come to an end. Bhumibol, the longest-reigning monarch in the world, held a demigod-like status in Thailand, with well-wishers gathering outside Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital in recent days to pray for his recovery. Many observers believe his death is likely to throw the country into turmoil. Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Crown Prince of Thailand and heir to the throne, is a controversial figure and, for some, an unsuitable ruler.  

Aug 30, 2016 • 11 min read

Gaggan Anand: “The guest is not always right”

He spent his youth battling poverty and dreaming of rock stardom. But after a career volte-face, Gaggan Anand has become a highly successful chef, with his restaurant recently named the best in Asia for the second consecutive year. The only trouble is, he’s already tiring of his celebrity chef status
By Dene Mullen • Aug 30, 2016

Aug 26, 2016 • 8 min read
Singapore politics

The greatest story never told

With The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, artist Sonny Liew created a sprawling graphic novel that shot to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and was heralded as “probably the greatest work of art ever produced in Singapore”. Many reviewers feel that Liew has created his magnum opus, but the 41-year-old says he’s just getting started
By Pooja Makhijani • Aug 26, 2016

Aug 24, 2016 • 8 min read

Oscar-winner Colin Firth on football, filming in Thailand and spotting the perfect script

Colin Firth has cemented his place as a go-to gentlemanly heartthrob, but the British actor has also proved his versatility, turning his hand to a wide range of characters in recent years. He discusses some of those roles – including his turn in the recently released film, Genius – and talks filming The Railway Man in Thailand
By Angela Dawson • Aug 24, 2016

Aug 19, 2016 • 9 min read

Meet Patee Sarasin, the most outspoken man in aviation

Thai low-cost carrier Nok Air has been flying high since its launch in 2004, with plans for international expansion on the cards. The unconventional businessman behind the airline’s success, Patee Sarasin, talks music videos, his guitar collection and his reluctance at becoming a CEO
By Jennifer Meszaros • Aug 19, 2016

Aug 18, 2016 • 8 min read
Interview

Former Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on the junta, monarchy and life in opposition

Abhisit Vejjajiva was born in England, educated at Oxford and became one of Thailand’s youngest ever members of parliament in 1992 at the age of 27. Sixteen years later, he became prime minister. Now a highly experienced politician and the leader of the Democrat Party, he casts an eye over the political landscape in Thailand
By Arnaud Dubus • Aug 18, 2016

Aug 17, 2016 • 6 min read
Fight against Cancer

A Malaysian alternative

Malaysian scientist Chern Ein Oon has been lauded for her cancer research seeking an alternative to chemotherapy. She discusses her work, societal expectations and the difficulties women face in her field
By David Hutt • Aug 17, 2016

Aug 15, 2016 • 11 min read
Press freedom

Christiane Amanpour: “The only side I’m taking is the truth”

One of the world’s biggest names in journalism, Christiane Amanpour’s eponymous television news show has seen her duke it out with dictators and cross swords with spin doctors. The 58-year-old international correspondent discusses reporting on genocide, the 24/7 news cycle and why it’s a journalist’s duty to stand up for what’s right
By Holly Robertson • Aug 15, 2016

Aug 13, 2016 • 9 min read

Malaysian director James Wan: billion-dollar filmmaker and laksa lover

After making a name for himself with his directorial debut, Saw, Malaysia-born James Wan has overseen some of Hollywood’s biggest horror flicks in recent years, not to mention the emotional task of Furious 7. He spoke to Southeast Asia Globe about ghost stories, his favourite Malaysian dish and his splashy new superhero project
By Angela Dawson • Aug 13, 2016