tier-1



STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 24, 2020 • 4 min read

Thai democracy Tensions mount in Thai protests as Bangkok braces for major rally

By Sophie Deviller/AFP • Nov 24, 2020
As the Thai capital braces for the next major rally on November 25, and tensions rising around pro-democracy protests, we take a look at the forces in play and what might come next in a country with a long history of political unrest

STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 24, 2020 • 5 min read

Opinion In Thailand, is it compromise failed or failed to compromise?

By Sek Sophal • Nov 24, 2020
King Maha Vajiralongkorn made headlines earlier this month as he declared Thailand the "land of compromise". But as the people's constitution is rejected outright and police crackdown on protests, authorities and demonstrators meeting in the middle seems unlikely

STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 23, 2020 • 4 min read

Thai democracy LGBTQ protestors lends ‘new taste’ to Thai politics

By Dene-Hern Chen/AFP • Nov 23, 2020
Thailand's protests for democratic reforms align with the LGBTQ community's desire for gender equality, say activists who have played a role in the youth-led movement since it kicked off in July

STORY OF THE DAY • Nov 23, 2020 • 8 min read

Press freedom Does CamboJA offer a glimmer of hope for press freedom in Cambodia?

By Alexi Demetriadi • Nov 23, 2020
Cambodian journalist network and outlet CamboJA has been shortlisted for an RSF Press Freedom Award. Could the organisation represent a genuine source of hope for independent media in Cambodia’s increasingly hostile journalism environment?

Nov 21, 2020 • 2 min read
Editorial

Identity through art

This week we delve into the world of art and culture, raising the curtain with Mandalay-based socially-conscious performing arts school Inwa, teaching progressive values to rural youth in Myanmar. We then explore themes of identity and belonging with Lao American author Bryan Woah Thao Worra, publishing four selected poems from his recently-released new book, ‘Before We Remember We Dream’
By Alastair McCready • Nov 21, 2020

Nov 20, 2020 • 4 min read
Thai democracy

Thailand’s ‘Bad Students’ get an education from the streets

In the eyes of Thailand's ultra-conservative school system with its strict dress codes and mandated long ponytails with ribbons for female students, Ploy has been cast as a rebel for daring to show a whiff of individuality
By Lisa Martin and Tossapol Chaisamritpol/AFP • Nov 20, 2020

Nov 20, 2020 • 4 min read
Sanitation

How a simple toilet improved the life of a small Ben Tre family

In rural Vietnam, less than 50% of households have hygienic latrines. Highlighting this issue in his latest short film, Saigon-based filmmaker Morgan Ommer met with a family whose lives have dramatically changed with the addition of a simple toilet
By Michael Tatarski • Nov 20, 2020

Nov 20, 2020 • 5 min read
Analysis

Fires and Covid-19: A disaster duo in Indonesia

Each year, Indonesians suffer through toxic haze during the country's annual fire season. This year, with the archipelago nation recording some of the highest cases of Covid-19 in the region, the added complication of the pandemic means the health of millions is at stake
By Rebekah Baynard-Smith • Nov 20, 2020

Nov 19, 2020 • 3 min read
RCEP

Xi touts China’s huge economy as base of free trade in APEC speech

Following the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, President Xi Jinping pegged China as the pivot point for global free trade, vowing to keep his "super-sized" economy open and warning against protectionism in a global economy eviscerated by Covid-19
By Agence France-Presse • Nov 19, 2020

Nov 19, 2020 • 3 min read
Podcast

The Anakut podcast: The state of democracy in Cambodia and ASEAN

This week, Transparency International Cambodia’s executive director, Pech Pisey, joins Meng and Andrew in the studio to discuss that hottest of topics in the Kingdom today – the state of democracy and corruption in Cambodia
By Andrew Haffner • Nov 19, 2020

Nov 18, 2020 • 2 min read
Thai democracy

Thai MPs to vote on reforms, day after six protesters shot

As Thai lawmakers prepare to vote on possible constitutional reforms, pro-democracy protesters are set to return to the streets of Bangkok a day after six demonstrators were shot with live rounds
By Agence France-Presse • Nov 18, 2020

Nov 18, 2020 • 7 min read
Lao culture

Before We Remember We Dream: Reflections from a Lao American poet

The sixth book of celebrated Lao American poet Bryan Thao Worra, Before We Remember We Dream, explores diverse aspects of the diaspora experience – from political campaigning, citizenship exams and childhood toys
By Alastair McCready • Nov 18, 2020