Mekong River Commission Faces Radical Change

Published on Jan 30, 2016 by Luke Hunt

Financial mismanagement and political bullying has contributed to spending cuts at the Mekong River Commission (MRC) forcing the troubled, Vientiane-based research and management institution into a radical restructuring under a new chief executive officer.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Will Malaysia’s Najib Finally Quit?

Published on Jan 30, 2016 by Luke Hunt

Malaysia’s embattled prime minister Najib Razak has entered negotiations for a face-saving exit from the turbulence of his nation’s politics, according to independent reports, after the anti-corruption commission referred 37 charges to the attorney-general for prosecution.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Leadership Change in Laos: A Shift Away From China?

Published on Jan 30, 2016 by Luke Hunt

The leadership of Laos’ communist party and government has been replaced with a fresh slate, ending a five year-rule by Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong who was dogged by allegations of corruption, economic mismanagement and criticism that he was leaning too heavily on China.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

As Cultures Come Together, its all in Bad Spirits

Published on Jan 18, 2016 by Luke Hunt

When Benjawan Singthuean moved into her new home in Phnom Penh after her husband transferred from Thailand for work, the 36 year old didn’t know much about the area.She performed the usual rituals any Thai Buddhist would when they set up in a new home, by paying respect to the guardian spirits. She lit incense, offered fruit and food to the spirits, and asked for protection as the new occupiers of the house.Read more from Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai in The Bangkok Post. .

Indonesian Strikes Confirm Spread of ISIS

Published on Jan 18, 2016 by Luke Hunt

Fears that the troubles in the Middle East – where Islamic militants are fighting for a caliphate and centralized Muslim leadership – will spread to Southeast Asia are proving tragically real with a series of bombs and gun battles in Jakarta.Two civilians and five terrorists were killed. Another 26 were wounded and authorities were lucky the toll was not substantially higher after militants opened fire around a Starbucks coffee shop and Western-styled supermarkets in the first such strike in-country since 2009.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..