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.
September 04, 2013
Turkey Threatens to Ban Australian Politicians from Gallipoli
A spat over the use of the word “genocide” in NSW threatens the centenary of the landings.
September 03, 2013
Malaysia Initiates Another Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
Illegal immigrants are being forced to leave Malaysia. Their home countries are preparing for the exodus.
August 30, 2013
Plight of Sombath Somphone Back in Focus
Pressure on Laos to producing the missing activist is rising, as is the cost of inaction.
August 28, 2013
Murdered Mongolian Model Haunts Malaysia
A Malaysian court has overturned the convictions of two police officers for the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu.
August 23, 2013
Indonesian Meet Heralds Crackdown on People Smuggling to Australia
The Australian government is upping efforts to curtail human smuggling.
August 21, 2013
Tank Spotting as Sam Rainsy Returns
Opposition leader Sam Rainsy is encouraging post-election protestors. Is it really helping his cause?
August 17, 2013
Thai Negotiating Skills Found Wanting
Thailand continues to struggle with its neighbors. Attempts at negotiations are not helping matters.
August 13, 2013
No Means No On Indonesian Maids
In response to ongoing reports of abuse, Malaysia is cracking down on the employment of Indonesian maids.
August 09, 2013
Malaysians Charged Over Haze
PT Adei Plantations has been charged with contributing to the massive haze that befell SE Asia this year.
August 07, 2013
Thailand’s Proposed Amnesty Law Sows Seeds of Discontent
Protestors are filling Bangkok’s streets, calling for justice for past political bloodshed.
August 02, 2013
Malaysian Election Leads To Debt Downgrade
Fitch has cut Malaysia’s sovereign debt load rating from “stable” to “negative” following PM Najib’s slim win.
August 01, 2013
Cambodia’s Eerie Silence
Hun Sen is returned to power with a much slimmer majority. Will protests ensue?