A Chinese Takeaway

Published on Oct 3, 2018 by Luke Hunt

Rarely have Beijing and its minions been seen in such a dreadful light. The arrival of mainland Chinese in Cambodia as developers, financiers, restaurateurs, boiler room operators, gamblers, construction workers and tourists is sorely testing the patience of locals in Cambodia. This story was originally published by La Croix after syndication by UCA News.by LUKE HUNT / Phnom PenhEven Cambodia's government-compliant press is picking up the baton. 'Chinese behaving badly' is the stuff of daily headlines, particularly in the southern port town of Sihanoukville where Beijing's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are investing heavily.Pristine beaches and rainforests are being carved up by big business, driving up property prices that locals can ill afford, amid stories of Cambodians being denied access to their....

Wrap: Convicted Spy James Ricketson Pardoned

Published on Oct 2, 2018 by Luke Hunt

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson has returned to Australia after his six-year sentence for spying — following a trial sharply criticized by human rights groups and politicians — was pardoned by Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihamoni. But he says he still loves Cambodia and will return as soon as possible. His guilty verdict in a long running espionage trialwas troubling on several fronts with respect to how justice is meted out in Cambodia. Read more. James Ricketson Pardoned, Returns to Australia James Ricketson: The ‘Spy’ Who Loved Cambodia, And Paid For It What the Ricketson Case Says About Justice in Cambodia Australian Filmmaker Found Guilty Of Espionage in Cambodia .

Wrap: Cambodia Elections 2018

Published on Aug 29, 2018 by Luke Hunt

Arguably the real story of Cambodia’s 2018 election was that Prime Minister Hun Sen has effectively pulled the bamboo curtain down on a quarter century of multiparty democracy in the Southeast Asian state. Read more:A New Era for Hun Sen’s Cambodia?Election Result Entrenches Cambodia As A One-Party StateWhat’s at Stake in Cambodia’s One-Sided Election?A Hun Sen Poll Victory Is As Certain As Death And TaxesChinese Spies ‘Target Cambodian Election Committee’.

SE Asia's Tough Upcoming Elections

Published on May 7, 2018 by Luke Hunt

Four pending general elections have the potential to reshape Southeast Asian political dynamics with the recent slide towards autocracy raising fears that the ballot box will become little more than a tool for entrenching authoritarian power structures. Voters in Malaysia and Timor-Leste will head to the polls on May 9 and 12, respectively. General elections are scheduled for July 29 in Cambodia and are widely expected in Thailand towards the end of this year. Read more. .

Australia Tightens Security as US Vets Refugee

Published on Jan 13, 2017 by Luke Hunt

This article first appeared in The DiplomatBy Luke HuntAustralia has beefed up its maritime and military presence along its northern coastline as part of strengthened efforts to further deter people smugglers while officials from Homeland Security in the United States begin the arduous process of vetting refugees for resettlement under a recent “one-off” agreement with the Obama administration.The six naval Armidale-class ships already deployed to Australia’s north will soon be bolstered by a major fleet support unit, either an ANZAC-class warship or a guided missile frigate.Australia is also expected to send its newest addition, the P-8A Poseidon – a cutting edge surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft – to strengthen existing capabilities like the P3-Orion in guarding maritime approaches to the Australian....