Topic: Chiang Mai

Difference Maker Bruce Lasky trains young lawyers in Asia to defend the poor and powerless

The New York City native quietly champions legal reforms in Southeast Asia, a region where the rule of law is often weak and governments are criticized for their human rights records.

Grandad, There's a Head on the Beach

Sassy crime reporter Jimm Juree returns in Colin Cotterill's new mystery series set in Thailand.

American sentenced for royal insult: 4 recent cases in Thailand

Thailand's lèse-majesté laws, which include prohibitions on posting anti-monarchy slurs online, are among the world's strictest, meriting jail terms of 3 to 15 years, and in some cases, more. The rising number of lèse-majesté accusations comes as the reign of octogenarian King Bhumibol Adulyadej nears its end. Some worry that a crackdown could intensify as Thailand prepares for a transition. While it's rare for foreigners to be prosecuted, they aren't exempt. Here are four high profile cases in the past decade, three of which involve foreigners:

Thailand's opposition radio keeps its volume up

The Thai government attempted to shut down 'red shirt' radio stations, but stations have managed to stay on air and keep their supporters informed.

Thailand protests return as 'red shirts' gather to show strength

Thailand protests by the antigovernment 'red shirts' were the biggest show of strength by Thailand’s opposition since a tumultuous crackdown in May.

Jim Webb cancels Burma visit after report claims junta 'planning nuclear bomb'

US Sen. Jim Webb canceled his June 3 visit to Burma following a report on the claims of a high-level defector that the junta is mining uranium and working with North Korea to develop a nuclear bomb.

Bangkok smolders day after crackdown on red-shirt protesters

Sporadic violence flared in Thailand Thursday as more red-shirt protesters left their camp in Bangkok, two more leaders surrendered, and a curfew was extended until Sunday.

The fuel behind Thailand red-shirt protesters' fire

Thailand's red-shirt protesters accepted a government reconciliation roadmap on Tuesday. But they refused to end their demonstrations, which have left 27 people dead.

ASEAN holds tongue on Burma election. What options remain for Suu Kyi?

During this week's ASEAN summit, Asian leaders fell short of criticizing the rules that ban Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from participating in the upcoming Burma election. But hope remains for moderate voices.

With Burma election boycott, Suu Kyi party risks breakup

Aung San Suu Kyi party members announced a boycott on the Burma election Monday to avoid endorsing an ‘unfair’ process. But the largest opposition group in Burma (Myanmar) now risks being broken up under controversial election laws.

US to engage Burma (Myanmar): Clinton

After years of just imposing sanctions, the US will now also engage Burma, Clinton said. The closed regime may also be reaching out: It attended its first UN meeting this week in 14 years.

Aung San Suu Kyi verdict draws international ire

A court in Burma (Myanmar) sentenced the opposition leader to 18 more months of house arrest for violating the terms of her detention. The trial was widely viewed as a sham.

Thailand: Panda-monium for newest Thai superstar

China extends a friendly bear paw across Taiwan Strait

Beijing marked warming ties with Taiwan by sending two pandas, Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan, to the Taipei Zoo.

Beneath Thailand's tumult, a rural-urban fault line

Lawmakers are to pick a new prime minister Monday – the third in four months, reflecting the country's polarized politics.

Reporters on the Job

Who's joining Thai protests?

More students are marching to unseat Prime Minister Samak, adding to an ideologically mixed coalition of businesspeople, royalists, and academics.

Unorthodox papermaking helps a Thai elephant refuge

Elephant-dung pages dispose of a massive waste problem profitably.

Burma's (Myanmar's) elite help with aid

Business leaders, some under US sanction, are delivering relief supplies.

Burmese forced from relief camps

Cyclone refugees are being evicted from shelters, according to Amnesty International. Analysts say the regime is dispersing those who might foment opposition.