Latest posts by Mong Palatino from September, 2013
Why Indonesia Should Not Raise its Minimum Wage
Rocky Intan explains why a minimum wage hike in Indonesia will harm the country's economy: National and local leaders should resist pressure by some union leaders for an increase in the minimum wage. The increase has not been in line with inflation, unlike what the protesters claim. Moreover, the raise...
Phuket-themed Stamps in Thailand
Mark Jochim features Thailand stamps that showcase the beauty and culture of Phuket, a popular island tourism destination. Interestingly, he notes that Phuket-themed stamps do not include the famous beaches of Phuket.
Online Petition Got Sea Turtle Released in the Philippines
Captive sea turtle was used as photo-op to attract tourists. More than 1,500 signed petition to release the sea turtle.
Why Laos Has High Maternal And Infant Mortality Rates
Dee Harlow cites several factors that explain why Laos has the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in Southeast Asia: Many factors contribute to the inaccessibility of the care expectant mothers need including, geographic remoteness, lack of infrastructure and seasonal limitations for travel on rough roads, lack of transport or...
Vietnamese Blogger Speaks Out Against Government Repression
Nguyen Bac Truyen gave a testimony in a human rights event in Geneva about the repression suffered by bloggers and activists in Vietnam: Since Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang came back from a visit to President Obama in the United States at the end of July, government repression has entered...
Indonesia’s Forestry Minister Upset Over Harrison Ford Interview
Harrison Ford conducted a 'tough' interview about Indonesia's forest situation which angered a government minister. Ford was accused of 'harassing' a state institution.
Should Thailand Abolish the Mandatory School Uniform Policy?
Protesters equate the school uniform policy with authoritarianism but supporters believe it is necessary to promote discipline and equality
Indonesian Groups Criticize ‘Miss World’ Contest as ‘Un-Islamic’
Venue of the contest was moved from Jakarta to Bali. Organizers vowed to replace bikinis with Balinese sarongs for the beach wear but protests have continued.
Indonesia's First Breastfeeding Video Animation
The Indonesia Breastfeeding Mothers Association has produced a 13 minute film animation that educates Indonesian couples about the benefits of breastfeeding.
PHOTOS: Violent Dispersal of Election Protest in Cambodia
Human rights groups have condemned the excessive use of violence by the police in dispersing an election protest in Cambodia. The police reportedly used tear gas and live ammunition
Gender Inequality in Laos and Cambodia Schools
Laurence Bradford studied some statistics about female education in Southeast Asia. She highlighted the problems and discrimination faced by young girls in Cambodia and Laos. For example in Cambodia, 50 percent of young girls are laborers instead of students. In Laos, male literacy rates are 20 percent higher than those...
Dissecting Myanmar's Internet Connection Woes
Jefry Tupas analyzed some of the issues that affect Myanmar's Internet sector. He cited the high costs of acquiring telephone handsets, SIM cards, and Internet connection in the country. He also wrote about the social and economic impact of the slow Internet speed which is believed to be controlled by...
Thai Rubber Farmers Continue Protest Despite Government Subsidy Plan
Rubber farmers hit by falling prices have set up road and railway blockades early this month. The government recently announced a subsidy plan but this was rejected by some protesters
Thailand’s Ex-Prime Minister Criticized for ‘Stupid Bitch’ Remark
Major newspapers translated the speech as 'stupid woman' and 'stupid lady'. In any case, women groups want the Opposition leader to apologize.
Thai Airways Blacks Out Logo After Runway Accident
It's standard procedure according to airline officials but it became a PR disaster for the company.
Thousands Reject Cambodia’s Election Results
The Opposition vows to hold more rallies next week and threatens to boycott the opening of the Parliament
Why Malaysia's Fuel Price Hike is Wrong
Anil Netto uploaded the analysis of Institut Rakyat which described Malaysia's recent decision to slash fuel subsidies as a ‘wrong approach” to address the country's fiscal deficit. Wastage and corruption should be cut first and income-boosting policies should take effect before subsidies on essential goods should be open to reconsideration.
Homeless Foreigners on the Rise in Thailand
A charity group reports that there is an increasing number of homeless foreigners in Thailand.
Haze Returns to Indonesia
The haze is back! Forest fires in Sumatra caused a thick haze to descend for several days in Indonesia and several parts of Malaysia last week
PHOTOS: Oil Spill Devastates Thousands of Fishermen in Cebu, Philippines
Oil spill from a sunken ship ruined the livelihood of several fishing villages. Residents used hair, coconut husks, chicken feathers to contain oil spill
