Stories about East Asia from December, 2008
Thailand: Revenge of the reds
Forget the yellow protesters who occupied Thailand’s airports last month. Today’s anti-government protests in Bangkok are organized by supporters of the ousted government. They have vowed to launch bigger street actions “to restore democracy.” Do not confuse them with the Left. They just like the color red.
Thailand: Text messages from the Prime Minister
On his first day in office, Thai PM Abhisit Vejjajiva sent SMS to his constituents. A sample of the text message: “I am your new PM. I would like to invite you to help pull our country pull of the crisis. If you are interested in receiving my messages, please...
Myanmar: Pictures of fishing villages
dawn_109 went to the delta region of Myanmar, and posted pictures of fishing villages which were destroyed by a deadly cyclone last May.
Myanmar: Political prisoner commits suicide
A 35-year old political prisoner in Myanmar committed suicide after authorities refused to give him proper medical treatment.
Myanmar: Nine activists arrested during peaceful march
It’s not a happy new year for nine members of the National League for Democracy who were arrested near the Parliament building in Rangoon, Myanmar on Tuesday while demanding for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Southeast Asia: Controversies and tragedies of 2008
In the previous post (Southeast Asia: Newsmakers of 2008), I wrote about the major events that took place in Southeast Asia. In this article, I will highlight other stories which became controversial as well.
Korea: Raising New Candles against ‘7 Evil Laws.’
While welcoming 2009, Korea has another series of candlelight vigils against the government. The major political party, the Grand National Party, and the government presented new and revised bills. Among citizens, it is called the ‘7 Evil Laws [KR].‘ They are about national security laws, communications track regulations (to make...
China: Young activist against eating cats
Fauna from ChinaSMACK picks up the story about a girl leading a campaign against eating cats in Guangdong. The blogger also translates comments from local forum.
China: Guarantee happiness
Joel Martinsen from DANWEI translated a local report on the government manipulation of a happiness survey in a local town so as to achieve the state targets for improving the people's well-being.
Rare Brunei stamp
Rozan Yunos writes about a rare 6c Brunei stamp issued during the Japanese Occupation.
Brunei: Stricter regulation in car purchases
Local Freakonomics from Brunei is happy over the more stringent enforcement of down-payment for car purchases since this will prevent consumers from spending what they could not afford.
Malaysia: Former king dies
Malaysia's former king, Tuanku Jaafar Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman, is dead. He was Malaysia's king from 1994-1999.
Saigon Beer vs Angkor Beer
Vuthasuf compares beer products of Vietnam and Cambodia.
The Death of Ai Iijima, the End of an Era
For many men in Taiwan, this Christmas Eve was a day of regret and disappointment. It is not because that at this eve some of us would need to spend a significant amount money to please our lovers--thanks to the endless bombing from merchants and commercials. And neither it is because that others would be upset due to lack of lovers for the holiday--yes, for most people, Christmas in Taiwan is more like Valentine's Day--perhaps the forth or the fifth one. It is that in the era of closure on any discussion of sex issues, an ex-AV porno Japanese actress who accompanied us during much of our private time, and later successfully transformed into an entertainer in show business, was found dead in the afternoon at her house in Shibuya, Tokyo: her name is Ai Iijima.
Philippines: Uproar over mauling by mayor/son of Cabinet secretary
Filipinos are unleashing online vitriol at the son and namesake of Philippine President Arroyo's agrarian reform secretary, who reportedly mauled two persons last Dec. 26 at a golf course.
Global Health: 2008 Blogs In Review
Bloggers in 2008 showed all the ways in which global health is interconnected with other issues, by covering health stories that touched on everything from poverty and women's rights to the environment and economics. They shared stories such as the prohibition of cannabis in Japan, how ads for children's food...
Japan: Un-hiring fresh graduates
Job hunting for fresh graduates in Japan is an intense trial called shushoku katsudo or shukatsu for short. University students in their third year start shukatsu during the winter in hopes of receiving several naitei (informal job offer/promise of employment) in May at the earliest, to start their new jobs on April 1st of the following year.
A Review of Global Voices in 2008
Nearly 3 million people visited Global Voices in 2008, and here are some of our most popular stories of the year.
Northeast Asia: 2008 Review
The northeast Asia region is becoming more integrated politically, economically and socially. State leaders from China, Japan and South Korea recently signed a Joint Statement for Tripartite Partnership to address the serious challenges in the global economy and the financial markets. Peace talk between North and South Korea continues, while...
Southeast Asia: Newsmakers of 2008
For Southeast Asia, 2008 was a year of terrible disasters, both natural and man-made. Rice consumption was reduced, milk products were contaminated with melamine, jobs were lost, bloggers were arrested, and homes were destroyed. But the situation is not hopeless.
China: Reflection of Charter 08
Uln from Chinayouren discusses on the impact of Charter 08 on future China political change.
About our East Asia coverage
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Nevin Thompson is the Japan editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
