Surfers and a Boat Load of Pot

Published on Jan 16, 2014 by Luke Hunt

American academic and author Peter Maguire is best known for his work on war crimes and legal issues surrounding conflict. Weighty issues of state like the Khmer Rouge tribunal in Cambodia are more his fare and stand in stark contrast to the drug smuggling days of the 1960s, 70s and 80s that feature in his latest book, Thai Stick – Surfers, Scammers and the Untold Story of the Marijuana Trade.This article first appeared in The Edge ReviewBy Luke HuntThat business thrived on the antics of young surfers from California, Hawaii, Australia and elsewhere — men and women who dreamed of perfect waves in exotic locations like Bali, access to cheap pot and deep pockets. For many, smuggling would become a....

In Malaysia, It’s Two Words for One God

Published on Oct 18, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Malaysian attempts at juggling local Islamic dictates against a desire by moderates and non-Muslims to forge a secular democratic society have often fallen flat, with the country winning too many comparisons with the likes of Pakistan.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Singapore Plans ASEAN Bid for 2030 World Cup

Published on Oct 9, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Singapore is planning to lead an ASEAN bid and host the 2030 World Cup. Given the extraordinary support soccer enjoys among 600 million people in Southeast Asia and the advanced plans to forge a single economic and cultural bloc in the region, such a plan should enjoy widespread support.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

East Timor Bans Pencak Silat

Published on Sep 26, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Discipline within martial arts dictates self-restraint. Its popularity has never been based upon the art of hurting and bullying a weaker opponent but on the ability to defend and attack strictly when needed. By and large, serious fighting is reserved for the ring or the mats among equals, and not for the streets.Read more from Luke Hunt in The Diplomat..

Thai Street Vendors Could Be Jailed for Intimidating Tourists

Published on Sep 19, 2013 by Luke Hunt

Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General has made an example of four unruly street vendors, sentencing them to over a year in prison each for extorting money from a customer near the King Rama V Statue at Bangkok’s Royal Plaza.Read more from J.T. Quigley in The Diplomat..