Adam Bemma

  • Once a Safe Haven, Bangkok Now a “Hunting Ground” for Dissidents

    Joseph steps off the subway train onto Bangkok’s Chatuchak metro station platform. As the 29-year-old Laotian refugee exits to the street above he notices two men trailing behind him. Both men are carrying large suitcases that seem light to the touch as they lift them easily on to the escalator, Joseph* recalls. He had recently…

    Adam Bemma

  • In Laos, price of free speech a heavy one

    BANGKOK [OP-ED] – The imprisonment of Houayheuang “Muay” Xayabouly, a young, female Lao environmentalist turned internet activist who simply asked for help for flood victims, should be a matter of deep concern to the international community. On Sept 5, 2018, Muay used her 17-minute-long Facebook Live broadcast to counter the official narrative of the government…

    Adam Bemma

  • No Progress or Answers on Enforced Disappearances in Thailand

    BANGKOK, Thailand – Porlachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen went missing in 2014. At the time, the land rights activist had been assisting Karen villagers with a lawsuit against the authorities in Phetchaburi province, 190km southwest of Bangkok, who had evicted and burnt down their homes. Five years later, his skull fragment was discovered by special investigators in a burnt…

    Adam Bemma

  • The Independent Outlets Plugging Gaps in Thai Coverage

    BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai journalists Hathairat Wist Phaholtap and Yodsapon Tai Kerdviboon sit side-by-side on a couch at the Isaan Record’s office in Khon Kaen, 456km northeast of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. The small regional news outlet—which only employs five staff members—publishes several local print stories to its website every week, but is now trying to expand…

    Adam Bemma

  • The Conscientious Objectors of Thailand

    BANGKOK — Every April, Thailand begins its annual draft lottery to conscript Thai males, aged 21 and above, into military service. The young men line up to draw slips of paper; a red slip means one has to serve for two years, while a black indicates an exemption. Those who proactively volunteer will be spared…

    Adam Bemma

  • Southeast Asia’s pledge to end statelessness gathers steam

    A firm promise to grant citizenship to all born in a country is crucial to halt the cycle of displacement, writes Adam Bemma BANGKOK — The Moo Paa or Wild Boars football team captured the world’s attention this time last year after they became trapped inside Tham Luang cave for 18 days. In addition to the…

    Adam Bemma

  • Thailand’s Future Not Looking Forward – CBC The World This Weekend

    BANGKOK – This week, Thailand’s 2014 coup leader Prayut Chan-ocha was re-appointed prime minister – completing his transition from military to civilian leader. The leader of the pro-democracy party that challenged him — now faces charges that risk the party’s future. But as Adam Bemma reports, he remains defiant. This story aired on CBC The World…

    Adam Bemma

  • Thailand’s parliament meets, but military retains upper-hand

    Elections took place on March 24 under a complicated new system that empowered small parties – and the military. Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand’s newly-elected parliament sits for the first time on Friday, as pro-military and pro-democracy parties manoeuvre for power two months after controversial elections that ensured the armed forces the upper hand in the…

    Adam Bemma

  • Thailand: The Uphill Battle to Repeal NCPO Decrees

    Stepping off the elevator and into the famed penthouse at downtown Bangkok’s Maneeya Center, Chonthicha Jangrew takes a seat close to the bar. The chairs and tables at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand begin to fill up around her with foreign embassy staff, humanitarians and journalists. They’ve all gathered 10 days ahead of the…

    Adam Bemma

  • Thailand’s Urban Refugees, Migrant Workers and Stateless People

    BANGKOK – The stench inside Suan Phlu Immigration Detention Centre is indescribable. The guards give detainees bright orange t-shirts – with a phone number printed on the front – to wear when they enter the IDC reception area. About a dozen visitors line up on the opposite side of a fence separating them from the…

    Adam Bemma
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