The Diplomat | Author
Luke Hunt
Luke Hunt is a Southeast Asia correspondent for The Diplomat. He has spent three decades working in the region and produces the Beyond the Mekong podcast. He can be followed on Patreon and X – formerly Twitter.
He served as bureau chief for Agence France-Presse in Cambodia and in Afghanistan under Taliban occupation – where he was commended by the United Nations for the “best and most insightful” coverage of the Afghan civil war. Hunt also covered the U.S.-led invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, and the Global War on Terrorism that followed, specializing in Islamic militancy.
Throughout the 2010s, Hunt focused on civil conflict and uprisings from the Middle East to East Asia and as an adjunct professor wrote the course War, Media & International Relations for Pannasastra University in Cambodia. He is the author of the “Punji Trap” and co-author of “Barings Lost” and is the recipient of several awards including the Hong Kong Human Rights Press Awards, Society of Publishers in Asia, and the World Association of Newspapers.
Follow him on X at @lukeanthonyhunt.
November 15, 2013
Vietnam Wins Human Rights Seat Despite Tainted Record
NGOs are skeptical about the UN’s odd choices for upcoming Human Rights Council.
November 13, 2013
Anonymous Could Be Caned in Singapore
Members of the worldwide hacktivist collective also face fines and jail time.
November 13, 2013
Cambodia Cheers ICJ Ruling on Preah Vihear
Unanimous decision in favor of Cambodia’s claim to surrounding temple grounds.
November 08, 2013
Sombath Disappearance Could See a Review of EU Aid to Laos
ASEAN’s EU Parliament Chairman presses Laotian officials to act.
November 06, 2013
Vinashin Bailout: Vietnam Tries Everything But a Free Press
The nation’s economic woes are exacerbated by a lack of checks and balances.
November 02, 2013
Thai Amnesty Paves Way for Thaksin’s Return
Thailand’s parliament passes a controversial bill that will allow former PM Thaksin Shinawatra to return.
November 01, 2013
Last Words From the Khmer Rouge as Tribunal End Nears
Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan deny responsibility for genocide.
October 31, 2013
Malaysian University Lauds North Korean Economic Policy
University censors criticism of controversial “honorary PhD” for Kim Jong Un.
October 26, 2013
Cambodian Protests Continue, Hun Sen Open to Talks
More than 10,000 protesters staged non-violent rallies outside foreign embassies.
October 21, 2013
Malaysian PM Shores-Up Support
Najib Razak’s popularity on the rise as Mahathir Mohammad’s son slips.
October 17, 2013
In Malaysia, It’s Two Words for One God
In a landmark decision, Malaysian Appeals Court bans “Allah” from Christian newspaper.
October 15, 2013
Cambodian Hero and Socialite “Fabricated” Sex Trafficking Stories
Alleged victims claim they were coached by Somaly Mam to win support for her foundation.