For the past decade, most talks on Asia Pacific focused on its dramatic economic rise, on China and India’s new status as global super powers, on Vietnam and Cambodia’s staggering growth, and on how the region is fast becoming a magnet for serious foreign investment. Pictures and articles of the region focuses on Shanghai’s skyscrapers,…… Continue reading Too many hungry people in the world
Category: Asia
Bangkok aftermath – the hatred, vitriol and the blame game
The ‘red shirt’ protests in Bangkok is over (at least for now). The glitzy shopping district the protesters took over for over two months was being scrubbed clean as I started writing this blog. Thousands of volunteers were sweeping, hosing and doing whatever they can on Sunday to wipe away any sign of the protests.…… Continue reading Bangkok aftermath – the hatred, vitriol and the blame game
The crisis in Thailand, from the perspective of a foreigner
Yesterday morning, we left the safety of Sukothai Hotel, a swish, five-star oasis in Sathorn (and right in the middle of the battle zone) to move to another hotel which is slightly at the edge of all the fighting. This is the first time most of us have left the hotel grounds and into the outside…… Continue reading The crisis in Thailand, from the perspective of a foreigner
Nuclear North Korea. Positioning by China, Japan, Korea
In connection with North Korea’s testing of a nuclear bomb, three things I want to notice: 1) China’s reaction when the UN Security Council meets. Until now China’s attitude towards any proactive steps on UN’s behalf has been one of stalling or preventing. China has actively opposed any and all sanctions or even harsh language…… Continue reading Nuclear North Korea. Positioning by China, Japan, Korea
Street Vendors in Vietnam
Being a student of languages, I found it very interesting during my recent travels to compare the English abilities of street vendors in both Cambodia and Vietnam. These are the people who continually summon you to check out their goods and really pressure you into buying something. At times it can be very annoying, but…… Continue reading Street Vendors in Vietnam