Stories about East Asia from February, 2012
Singapore: Citizens Discuss Politician's Extramarital Scandal
An opposition politician has resigned from his party's Central Executive Committee amidst rumours of extramarital affairs. Netizens discussed the issue in various social networks and many expressed their disappointment over how the issue was handled by the Opposition Party
China: Migratory Birds Poisoned and Served in Dining Table
Ministry of Tofu translated a local reports about the poisoning of migratory birds in Hubei province. The dead birds are then headed for dining table in local restaurants.
China: Fascist State?
Roland Farris from Truthout argues that China could be understood as a fascist state with the extension of the role of the nation in all matters, including sports; a sense of national grievance as the core of national identity; the paranoid control of any potential opposition; and the rise of...
Thailand: “Reform the World’s Harshest Lèse Majesté Law”
Several groups, scholars, and activists in Thailand are demanding the amendment of Article 112 of the country’s Criminal Code or the lese majeste law, which forbids anyone from insulting the King and members of the Royal Family. The issue has sparked debates on whether it's time to reform this controversial law.
Saudi Arabia: Fate of Journalist Hamza Kashgari Hangs in the Balance
Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari set off a social media firestorm last week when he tweeted an imaginary conversation with the Prophet Mohammed, causing the young man to flee the country in the face of threats. Now, social media users debate Kashgari's fate as he faces extradition from Malaysia.
Myanmar: Banknotes of Burma
Min Sun Min writes about the modern history of Myanmar by documenting the banknotes issued for Burma.
Thailand: “The Purple People Toilet”
Richard Barrow uploads a photo of the ‘Purple People Toilet’ in Thailand. It's a toilet for those who belong to the “Third Sex” or in Thailand they are often called “Lady Boys”
China: The Political Drama of Wang Lijun's “Stress Leave”
Some background on Wang Lijun, the former police chief of Chongqing who sought temporary refuge in a nearby US consulate last week before turning himself over to central government authorities. More speculation than facts so far, but netizens have woven together a few plausible scenarios.
Hong Kong, China: Cross-border Self-drive Tour Instigates Fear and Anger
Tension between Hong Kong and mainland China has mushroomed in recent months. While small conflicts, such as a train scuffle, have ignited fury, the recent introduction of a cross-border self-drive tour scheme, signed by the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments without public consultation, has instigated a new round of social...
China: Half of the journalists imprisoned are Tibetan or Uyghur
The Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ) reports that more than half of the 27 journalists imprisoned in China are ethnic Tibetan or Uyghur.
Southeast Asia: Restoring Historic Towns
Dr. Apiwat Ratanawaraha writes about several projects in Southeast Asia that seek to restore historic towns and promote cultural tourism. Some of the ongoing projects are located in Singapore’s Boat Quay, Malaysia’s Georgetown, and Thailand’s Chiang Mai
Southeast Asia: Climate Change and Smallholder Farmers
The World Agroforestry Centre has released a study on the climate change adaptation options for small farmers in Southeast Asia.
Saudi Journalist Detained in Malaysia for ‘Offensive’ Tweet
Saudi journalist Hamza Kashgari was stopped at Malaysia's airport after Saudi Arabia ordered his arrest. The journalist is accused of sending a twitter message that ‘insulted’ Prophet Mohammad
Reporter Found Dead in West Papua
Reporters Without Borders condemns the killing of a journalist in West Papua and the attack on local reporters in Indonesia.
South Korea: American Missionary Sue North Korea for Sexual Torture
Robert Park, a Korean-American missionary and human rights activist who went to North Korea on 2009, sued North Korea for sexual torture. Park crossed into the country in protest of North Korea's human rights atrocity. However, as Marmot's Hole blogger wrote, the new has drawn some cynical reactions.
Cambodia: Demolition of Houses in Borei Keila
Forced evictions and land grabbing are getting worse in Cambodia. But the case which grabbed global attention involves the violent demolition of an urban poor community in Borei Keila located in central Phnom Penh. This is the story of the residents' struggle for their land and housing rights.
South Korea: Activist Indicted for Retweeting North Korean Messages
South Korean prosecutors indicted a photographer last week for retweeting messages posted by the North Korean government's Twitter account. This case has sparked another round of debate on the country's controversial national security law which prohibits "acts benefiting the enemy" without specifying what constitutes such acts.
China: Another Grassroots Uprising in the North
Follow Wukan Uprising, Panhe Village in Zhejiang province is also revolting against local government and developer who are colluded to grab away villagers’ land. David Wertime from Tea Leaf Nation has the story.
Malaysia: Organization Advocates for Human Rights Through Video
KOMAS is a Malaysian organisation that uses video production as a tool to educate and advocate for human rights in the areas of non-discrimination, citizenship, voter education and documentary filmmaking.
Hong Kong, China: Netizens Mock the University of Hong Kong
One netizen has recreated the University of Hong Kong's logo to mock its centennial celebration last year, arranged to take place during premier Li Keqiang's visit to Hong Kong.
China, North Korea: Spreading Meth Across the Border
Jende Huang from Sino-NK has written an investigative report on the spreading of meth across the China and North Korea border.
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