Wrap: 2019 Thai Elections

Published on Apr 3, 2019 by Luke Hunt

Thais went to the polls on March 24. Here are the latest updates with the military asserting its power over the legislative system. Published by Voice of America and written by Luke Hunt Prayut’s Quest for Legitimacy Found Wanting Thai Military-Backed Party in Lead in Thai Elections Political Rocks Stars Turn Up Heat Ahead of Thai Elections Thais Braced for Vote, Marking ‘Return to Democracy’ Democratic Hopes in ASEAN Hinge on Thailand, Analysts Say .

The Latest

Published on Feb 3, 2019 by Luke Hunt

Stories and Podcasts from Bomborra.PODCAST: Remembering Heng Samrin and Cambodia’s Rebirth. Luke Hunt speaks with veteran journalist Peter Starr about the career of one of the twentieth century’s greatest guerrilla commanders.In another leap backwards, China jails its lawyersNo word from Vietnam over detention of pro-democracy activistsJokowi’s Failed Bashir Gamble Reveals the Danger of Playing the Religion Card in Indonesia ASEAN: economic community can step up. The 10-members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) are facing a difficult year. Slower growth, higher interest rates and a trade war between China and the United States are expected to undermine stability in the financial markets.Recent WeeksPODCAST: Inside Thailand’s Miracle Cave Rescue. A conversation with one of the key witnesses to an....

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’.