Read The Diplomat, Know The Asia-Pacific

Sign In

The Diplomat | Author

David Hutt

David Hutt is a journalist and commentator. He is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), and a columnist at The Diplomat and Radio Free Asia.

David Hutt is a journalist and commentator. He is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), a columnist at The Diplomat and Radio Free Asia, a contributor to the Economist Intelligence Unit and DW, and an associate editor at Contemporary Southeast Asia. He also writes the Watching Europe In Southeast Asia newsletter.

David Hutt has been Southeast Asia columnist at The Diplomat since 2016, writing weekly about Southeast Asian politics. He was formerly based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. He was president of the Overseas Press Club of Cambodia between 2018 and 2019. He can be followed on Twitter @davidhuttjourno.

Posts by David Hutt

December 04, 2024

In Singapore, the Hangman’s Noose is Growing Threadbare

By David Hutt

The government argues that capital punishment has been an effective deterrent for drug crimes. But is there any solid evidence for the claim?

November 26, 2024

Laos Needs a Transparent and Thorough Investigation Into Methanol Deaths

By David Hutt

The death of six foreigners in Vang Vieng threatens to undermine the government's desperate attempts to revive its tourism sector.

November 15, 2024

In Not Prosecuting Duterte, Marcos Shows Political and Moral Cowardice

By David Hutt

The Philippine president is relying on international law in the South China Sea. He should also pursue accountability for victims of his predecessor's bloody drug war.

November 09, 2024

Will a New Golf Course Near Hanoi Cement Trump-Vietnam Relations?

By David Hutt

Last month, the Trump Organization agreed to build a $1.5 billion course in Hung Yen, the home province of Communist Party chief To Lam.

November 04, 2024

Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Mini-Mahathir, Isn’t ‘Father of the Nation’

By David Hutt

The Malaysian leader's response to recent developments in the 1MDB corruption scandal was tone-deaf and dismissive.

October 24, 2024

What’s Happened to Cambodia’s Thinking Class?

By David Hutt

A recent article in the government-aligned Khmer Times reflects the etiolated state of public discourse in the country.

October 15, 2024

Thai Progressives Have Written a New Script For Political Opposition

By David Hutt

The People's Party is less focused on personalities and party-building than on slowly shifting the perceptions of the Thai electorate.

October 09, 2024

Anwar Ibrahim in Russia: Opportunism or Hatred of the West?

By David Hutt

The Malaysian leader's apparent embrace of Russia reflects a growing cynicism about the current U.S.-backed global order.

October 03, 2024

What’s Wrong With Calling Hun Sen ‘Despicable’?

By David Hutt

In clamping down so hard on the speech of its citizens, the Cambodian government only reveals the depth of its insecurities.

September 27, 2024

Laos and Cambodia Don’t Include Scam Industries in Their GDP Data. Should They?

By David Hutt

As strange as it sounds, it is not unusual for nations to include criminal activities in their official economic reports.

September 16, 2024

A Novel Solution to Southeast Asia’s Coming Demographic Crisis

By David Hutt

The region's governments need to start thinking more creatively about how to address their aging populations.

September 10, 2024

Cambodia’s Autocratic Regime Really Doesn’t Want You Criticizing It Overseas

By David Hutt

In its attempt to woo Western governments, Prime Minister Hun Manet's government has sought to choke off critical commentary among overseas Cambodians.