About

Sebastian Strangio is a journalist and author focusing on Southeast Asia. Since 2008, his reporting from across the region has appeared in more than 30 leading publications in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

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Author Archive
Cambodia: prison labor concerns

Cambodia: prison labor concerns

A new law legalizes the use of prison labor by private companies, putting Cambodia’s “sweatshop-free” reputation on the line.
Beyond Bazaar

Beyond Bazaar

Protecting the buildings of bygone eras is no easy task in rapidly changing Old Dhaka.
Khmer Rouge No. 2 gives insight to his role in Cambodia's 'killing fields'

Khmer Rouge No. 2 gives insight to his role in Cambodia’s ‘killing fields’

Nuon Chea, the deputy leader of the Khmer Rouge regime blamed for 1.7 million deaths in Cambodia’s ‘killing fields’ told the tribunal today that he carried out its policies to protect the country.
Khmer Rouge trial opens in Cambodia amid claims of interference

Khmer Rouge trial opens in Cambodia amid claims of interference

Critics say political interference and judicial misconduct are tarnishing the UN-backed Khmer Rouge trial, seen as key to justice more than 30 years after the brutal regime was ousted.
From tragedy to sham in Cambodia

From tragedy to sham in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH – Cambodia’s United Nations-backed war crimes tribunal will finally begin hearings on Monday in its second case against senior surviving leaders of the former communist Khmer Rouge regime.
In Bangladesh, some kind of justice

In Bangladesh, some kind of justice

After four decades, the country’s war-crimes tribunal is finally set to open.
Occupy World: Why Zuccotti Park has nothing on Dhaka

Occupy World: Why Zuccotti Park has nothing on Dhaka

Bangladeshis have been protesting since the main stock market imploded late last year.
Occupy Wall Street Meets Dhaka

Occupy Wall Street Meets Dhaka

Occupy Wall Street protesters aren’t the only ones taking to the street over claims of corporate greed. In Bangladesh, angry investors say they’ve also been cheated by the banks.
REVIEW: 'The Ideal Man', by Josh Kurlantzick

REVIEW: ‘The Ideal Man’, by Josh Kurlantzick

On Easter Sunday 1967, Jim Thompson, a prominent businessman and Bangkok expatriate, disappeared while on holiday in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. The 61-year-old American left his bungalow to take a solitary hike in the hills and never returned.
As Asia Rises and Europe Declines, Russia Invests Its Hopes in its Far East

As Asia Rises and Europe Declines, Russia Invests Its Hopes in its Far East

Vladivostok, a Pacific port city long in decline, is being revitalized by Moscow. But the city’s slow integration with China, Japan, and South Korea is clashing with its long-Slavic identity. Can a city be both European and Asian?
Inside Bangladesh's organ bazaar

Inside Bangladesh’s organ bazaar

In what is supposed to be a microfinance mecca, many go to extreme measures to pay off debts.
Southeast Asia's failing drug war

Southeast Asia’s failing drug war

PHNOM PENH – The communist government of Laos has traditionally taken a harsh stance towards drug use. Shortly after they seized power in late 1975, the communist authorities infamously rounded up hundreds of drug addicts, prostitutes, gamblers, “hippies”, and juvenile delinquents, and imprisoned them on two islands in the Nam Ngum Reservoir north of the...