Southeast asia

(CNN)Brunei's new law punishing homosexual sex with death by stoning has sent a wave of fear across the LGBT population in neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. On April 3, the small oil-rich kingdom of Brunei introduced a strict Islamic legal code mandating death for adultery and sex between men, as well as lashes for lesbian sex and amputation for crimes like theft. It has sparked a tide of condemnation from Western nations and celebrities alike. UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on April 1 described the laws as "draconian" and a setback for human rights. But across Brunei's border in Indonesia and Malaysia, both Muslim-majority countries, there has been official silence. The lack of response from the prominent Southeast Asian leaders is likely to fuel concerns about the rise of conservative Islam in the region and the consequences for sexual and religious minorities. Read More Menag @lukmansaifuddin terima kunjungan Dubes Luar Biasa & Berkuasa Penuh RI … [Read more...] about Will Brunei’s anti-LGBT Sharia law spread across Southeast Asia?

(CNN)Across Southeast Asia, wild animals are being hunted out of existence to feed growing demand for bushmeat, according to conservationists. Thomas Gray, science director with conservation group Wildlife Alliance, which operates in Cambodia, says that snares -- simple traps made of wire and rope -- have become the single biggest threat to ground-dwelling animals in Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos over the last decade. Snares collected by community rangers in Nakai-Nam Theun -- a protected area in the Annamite Mountains in Laos. The scale of the problem is "phenomenal" says Gray. Between 2010 and 2015, more than 200,000 snares were removed by patrol teams from just five protected areas in the region. But despite these efforts, says Gray, law enforcement patrols can't keep pace with poachers and stop the slaughter. Typically made from motorbike and bicycle brake cables, snares are cheap and simple to construct. Traditionally, hunters made snares from rattan and other natural … [Read more...] about ‘Barbaric’ snares are wiping out Southeast Asia’s wild animals

Dat Tham beach on Con Dao island has been listed as one of the top 10 eco-friendly beaches in Southeast Asia by the UK’s The Independent newspaper. Con Dao beach is listed in top 10 eco-friendly beaches in Southeast Asia With the likes of the popular coastal cities of Danang, Nha Trang and Mui Ne now packed with tourists, Dat Tham beach is different, as it’s located in the protected Con Dao National Park, which has allowed it to become one of the few undeveloped stretches of sand left in Vietnam, The Independent wrote. As a part of the national park, Dat Tham Beach is often not accessible to tourists due to the high risk of forest fires. Getting there requires some effort, with visitors clocking-in at the park office before beginning a four-mile hike to the beach. The hike takes you through a dense section of the park and you may catch a glimpse of some of its rare animals, such as giant squirrels and the bow-fingered gecko. Once you reach the shore, you are met … [Read more...] about Con Dao beach among top 10 eco friendly beaches in Southeast Asia

Nguyen Tuan Anh, CEO of Grab Vietnam, claimed that no business in the ride-sharing sector could offer discount programmes forever, which was among reasons customers grew fond of Uber The acquisition between Grab and Uber raised quite a controvesy among riding service users, especially due to the threat of Grab monopolising the fast growing and highly profitable market in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Ride-sharing giant Uber conceded defeat to Grab in eight markets in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Nguyen Cong Hung, chairman of the Hanoi Taxi Association, stressed the high odds of Grab becoming the price-setter as well as having absolute power over the ride-hailing market. Addressing concerns over the acquisition, Nguyen Tuan Anh, CEO of Grab Vietnam, claimed that, "Customers are naturally drawn to discounts and rewards, yet no business in the ride-sharing sector could offer discount … [Read more...] about Uber exit threatens Grab monopoly in Southeast Asia

Respected travel site Rough Guides just released a list of eight best night experiences in Southeast Asia, and Ho Chi Minh City is named THE place to delve into bars and clubs. “When the sun goes down, the bustling energy of southern Vietnam's megalopolis transfers to its many clubs and bars,” Rough Guides says. If you’re thirsty for a chic experience of Saigon’s nightlife, put on your best dress or suit and head to the rooftop Chill Sky Bar in District 1, one of the city’s most popular and fancy spots. It stays open from 5:30 p.m. till small hours the next morning, offering a dusk till dawn-ish view of the city, fabulous cocktails and a small but exciting music scene to check out. The U.K travel site also named Saigon Acoustic Bar in District 3 as a great rendezvous for a night out with pop-rock cover bands, while Carmen Bar in District 1 offers an odd selection of Spanish flamenco played by skilled Vietnamese musicians. For a casual good time, the … [Read more...] about Saigon has one of the best nightlife in Southeast Asia: Rough Guides