PHOTOS: Humans of Southeast Asia · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York Facebook page has inspired many photographers around the world to share photos and stories of ordinary people in the streets in their respective countries. Let us review similar initiatives in Southeast Asia.
The Humans of Brunei page was created on May 17, 2013. Below is a photo of Brunei students
Photo from Humans of Brunei Facebook page
Meanwhile, the Humans of Indonesia page was created on August 16, 2013. Below is a photo of Indonesians in the Harau valley waterfalls in the Bukittinggi area:
“It was a very special experience … these pristine waterfalls were turned into some kind of public bathing area. So if I would zoom out you would see kids riding inflatable ducks, souvenirs, people selling noodles & bunch of other activities …” Photo from Humans of Indonesia Facebook page
“Those young coconuts look fresh?”
“Oh, please take one if you like”
“Thank you so much. Why don’t you just drop them down? Seems heavy to carry like that”
“Don’t you see that few kids play under these trees? I am worry these coconuts would hit them.” Photo from Humans of Indonesia Facebook page
There is also a Humans of Jakarta page. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia
Photo from Humans of Jakarta Facebook page
Check the Humans of Bali page. Bali is a popular island in Indonesia.
In Malaysia, Avinash explains the idea of creating the Humans of Malaysia page:
…firstly its because I want those people know that there are people out there who care, for their opinions, for their stories, for their time, for their attention, for their thinking, for their views on life, on every issue, on everything, and that these people make Malaysia home. Second, i like to listen. and ask questions of course. And thirdly, well because I was at a point of my life where i really just needed to talk to someone, i needed someone to not help, but to just listen, no one was there for me then. I always have this thing in my mind, thinking that i might come across someone today who really just need someone who would listen. Thats why I do this
“What scares you the most?”
“Being poor. Having no money. Everything is about money nowadays. Supporting my family, food, transport, bills. Its everywhere.” Photo from Humans of Malaysia Facebook page
There is a separate page for the Humans of Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s capital.
“Abang (brotherly term for a guy) Hafiz washes and arranges the fish and vegetables at one of the agricultural grocery stores in KL. It is late at night and people are still coming in.” Photo from Facebook page Humans of Kuala Lumpur
The Humans of Thailand page has not been updated regularly but the Humans of Bangkok page seems active. Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Zon explains the project:
The page is a small urban project that I've just started about the people and their everyday lives in Bangkok, which has become a much more hybrid-society than ever. Revealing lives of the city inhabitants would make us better aware that everyone is interconnected.
“My daily challenge is riding. I have to manage to ride through the gaps between big cars. And actually it's extremely dangerous. I've been a taxi rider for a year but honestly I don't know how long I could continue with this job, or either know what I want to do next with my life.” Photo from Humans of Bangkok Facebook page
Bangkok police. Photo from Humans of Bangkok Facebook page
As the political crisis deepens in Thailand, Bangkok residents are calling for a ‘peaceful Sunday’
“Political conflict in Thailand now. We hope for #peacefulsunday and that no violence will take place tomorrow.” Photo from Humans of Bangkok Facebook page
Check also the Humans of Chiang Mai page. Chiang Mai is located north of Thailand.
“No texts, no calls, nothing. Cause I'm still thinking abt my Painting!” Photo from Humans of Chiang Mai Facebook page
In Vietnam, we’d like to feature the Humans of Saigon and Humans of Hanoi:
Photo from Humans of Saigon Facebook page
Photo from Humans of Hanoi Facebook page
In Laos, there is a Humans of Vientiane page. Vientiane is the country’s capital.
“Local law enforcement in Luang Namtha enjoying a game of petangue.” Photo from Humans of Vientiane Facebook page
Below is a photo of Stacy from Singapore relaxing at Clarke Quay. Photo from the Humans of Singapore page:
“I've been sitting here because it's quite breezy. And you can watch the boats passing by too. They've been doing a tour of the entire river all the way till Marina Bay Sands, where they tell you about the history of these places and Singapore. It's quite interesting, you hear all sorts of things which you didn't know and it's always a bit of a surprise.” Photo from Humans of Singapore Facebook page
Visit Humans of the Philippines and Humans of Manila. Manila is the capital of the Philippines.
Children of Tondo in Manila. Tondo is a working class district. Photo from Humans of Manila Facebook page
The People of Yangon page created by Chris James White was also inspired by the Humans of New York idea. Yangon is major city in Myanmar.
People of Yangon Facebook page