Steve Sandford

Ethnic Armed Organizations Building Unity With Myanmar Anti-coup Activists

Support for armed resistance and a federal army is rising across the country.

Aid Group Steps in Amid Ongoing Violence in Myanmar

The Free Burma Rangers — a multi-ethnic humanitarian group that has aided oppressed ethnic groups, mainly in Myanmar — and reported on the conflicts for more than 25 years has increased aid in the border regions of Karen state, site of the recent air strikes by the Myanmar army.

Myanmar Exiles Are Seeking Refuge in Kayin State

Hundreds of civilians in Myanmar — including activists, members of former de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy and villagers in the ethnic areas being bombed by the army — have gone into hiding. Some are seeking refuge in Kayin state, opposite Thailand.

Anti-Government Protests Mount in Thailand as Young Thais Demand Change

Protestors are demanding amendments to the constitution, a new election and a halt to the harassment and abuse of rights activists.

Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, Thailand’s Migrant Workers Struggle to Qualify for Aid

Many migrant workers have filed claims with labor advocate organizations, citing substandard treatment and unfair pay, based on their nationality.

Thai Activists Raise Alarm over New Proposed Lao Mekong Dam

The MRC prior consultation process normally lasts for six months, during which other MRC members, including Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, can review the project and assess any cross-border impacts.

Myanmar IDP Camps Brace for Coronavirus Outbreak

In Myanmar, an estimated 350,000 internally displaced persons living in crowded and sometimes unsanitary conditions face the danger of a widespread outbreak of COVID - 19.

Conservation Groups Fear Wildlife Trade Will Resume as China Lifts Restrictions

Banning Consumption of Wildlife in Asia Difficult, Despite COVID Pandemic

Scientists say COVID-19 likely originated through ‘animal to human’ transmission at a wild animal market in Wuhan, China.

Thai Activists Protest New Xayaburi Dam on the Mekong

Thai Tourism Industry on Alert to Stop Spread of Coronavirus

Thailand has announced the 10th case of the coronavirus as government authorities say the outbreak is still under control.

Thai Journalists, Activists Said to Face Increased Scrutiny

Myanmar's Karen Rebel Groups Reunite for Anniversary

Splinter groups come together to mark 70 years since fighting broke out between ethnic group and Myanmar government.

Foreign Development in Myanmar Sparks Concern Over Transparency, Regulation

Land values have soared in recent years with the construction of the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.

Rohingya End Hard Year Still in Limbo

More than 750,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled military attacks in Myanmar remain in Bangladesh camps as future repatriation and resettlement plans remain unclear.

Chinese Initiatives Threaten Mekong River

As China pushes its Belt and Road Initiative across Asia to strengthen its economic links with new transport routes, the Mekong River faces possible irreversible changes.

Rohingya Who Fled Myanmar Still Face Troubled Path

One year after fleeing Myanmar, hundreds of thousands of Rohingya are stuck in camps in Bangladesh.

Conflict Resumes in Karen State After Myanmar Army Returns

Karens say road work and the planned hydropower dams breach the ceasefire agreement.

Kachin IDP Camps Take Their Toll in Myanmar

Cycle of Military Violence Repeats in Myanmar

The army has a long history of violence towards ethnic civilian populations.