Stories about East Asia from October, 2012
Japan: Election Tweeting Forbidden
Even though Japanese is the second most active language in the world on Twitter, for the country's political candidates, tweeting during election campaigns is forbidden. A group of young activists is seeking to...
Abuse Photos Attest the Need for Child Protection Law in China
A viral photo showing a smiling female kindergarten teacher lifting a child by his ears who then bursts into tears, has triggered online discussion on child abuse in China and...
China: Ningbo Protests Point to Middle Class Discontent
Over the weekend, residents took to the streets in Ningbo, Zhejiang, to protest against the expansion of a paraxylene (PX) plant in their city. Sophie Beach from China Digital Times...
Thailand: Gun Crimes on the Rise
Thailand's homicide rate has declined since 2006 but criminal cases involving guns are on the rise. Bangkok Pundit analyzes some statistics on gun crimes, homicide cases, and gun ownership in...
Thailand: Hotline to Help Children
Childline Thailand Foundation is an NGO that runs a nationwide 24-hour telephone hotline to help children in Thailand. The “SaiDek 1387” hotline is also maximized to urge government compliance with...
China, South Korea: Gangnam Style in Chinese Universities
South Korea PSY pop, Gangnam style has landed in China. Around 3,700 people danced the Gangnam Style together at Nanjing Hehai University and a few dozen students danced on the...
China: Medicinal Alcohol
A netizen (Derek) has introduced the Chinese tradition of medicinal alcohol online, in particular the three-penis alcohol that apparently enhances a man's power.
Thailand: Bangkok Launches Bike Rentals
To decongest traffic and encourage people to use public mass transport system, Bangkok has recently launched a bicycle rental program. Richard Barrow attended the launch and provided ideas on how...
Philippines: Online Shame Campaign Against “Epal” Politicians
With less than a few months before the 2013 national elections, various groups have launched an online shame campaign against the common practice of Filipino politicians to attach their names...
Confusion over Agreement with OIC to Establish Office in Myanmar
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has proposed the establishment of an office in Myanmar to help the Muslim minority in the country. The government initially agreed but changed its decision...
Indonesia: ‘Jokowi’ Phenomenon in Jakarta
Meet Jakarta’s new governor: Joko Widodo or Jokowi. His recent electoral victory surprised many people who now regard him as Indonesia’s most charismatic leader. His phenomenal political achievement and soaring...
Riots Erupt Anew in Western Myanmar
As of October 24, 2012, the government reported that 12 persons were killed, 50 were injured and 1,948 houses were destroyed in the riot clashes between Rakhine residents and Rohingyas in Kyaut...
Thailand: Problems in Implementing Information Act
Saksith Saiyasombut and Siam Voices translate an article written by ThaiPublica about Thailand's experience in implementing the Official Information Act of 1997: Thai citizens were given more rights to request...
Malaysia: Penang's Bicycle Lanes
anilnetto writes about the proposed 12.5km bicycle lane in Penang, Malaysia. The first phase of the project has already started and completion is targeted in the next two years.
China: Zero Donations to Government Education Development Fund
Does the recent zero response to the Guizhou Education Bureau's fundraising campaign reflect Chinese people's distrust in government-led charity work?
Philippines: Anti-Mining Activist Arrested over Facebook Post
The arrest of a 62-year old anti-mining activist in the Philippines for a 'libelous' Facebook post spawned fears of a clampdown on dissenters through the recently enacted anti-cybercrime legislation.
African and Caribbean Magazine Thrives in Japan
‘Rendez-Vous en Asie – The Magazine‘ was the first publication of its kind for Africans in Japan, and will celebrate its first anniversary on October 26 in Harajuku, Tokyo.
China: Iron Man 3 and the Mandarin
The Walt Disney Company China, Marvel Studios and DMG Entertainment announced back in April that they were intended to co-produce “Iron Man 3″ in China. Stan from China Hearsay doubts...
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.
