Will you listen? Perspectives from young Thais about the country’s future
Thailand’s youth protests have captured the imagination — and, in some circles, the furor — of the country’s political scene. Globe reporter Wanpen Pajai shared this dispatch with us from the heart of the new democracy movement, with clear voices from some of the students driving it forward. A must-read to better understand #WhatIsHappeningInThailand.
Hanoi’s growing homeless population struggle with lockdown measures
The Covid-19 pandemic was described early on as a ‘great equaliser’ that could affect anyone, regardless of their status. That’s true to some extent, but for those who were already living on the margins of society, the pandemic has been a crushing blow to their perilous livelihoods. Globe reporter Ashley Lampard went out in Hanoi to speak with the capital’s homeless residents and their advocates to see how these vulnerable people are hanging on through the crisis.
Myanmar’s LGBTQ armed revolutionary continues fight two decades on
From fighting in the jungle to the civil society of Myanmar, Aung Myo Min has worked for much of his life to improve the human rights situation in his home country. Now, the LGBTQ advocate is taking the fight for equality to the country’s legislators. Globe reporter Alexi Demetriadi spoke with Aung Myo Min to get the full story here.
Does Japanese FDI grow negative media coverage of China in ASEAN?
Researchers with the Naval Postgraduate School in the US analysed 175,000 news articles from Southeast Asian outlets and found countries with higher Japanese investment tended to have worse perceptions of Chinese in-country activities. Hit the link for some fascinating analysis on the fight for hearts and minds in Southeast Asia.
Homebound predators and hard-hit families: Filipino child abuse on the rise
The effects of Covid-19 have been widespread, but one particularly vicious symptom has been an increase in demand for child pornography. In May, Philippines authorities reported a 265% increase in cyber tips of potential abuse during the height of lockdown. Child rights workers are calling it the “secret pandemic”, writes contributor Tabitha Payne.
One small step at a time, one giant leap for Thai democracy
Another voice from the Thai youth protests, Francis Bunkueanun Paothong is a student organiser and founder and co-chair of the Coalition of Salaya Students. Francis wrote to share with us his view of the movement, its growing momentum and the dedication of its members. Click for an important read.
