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Michael Sullivan In 2003, Michael Sullivan moved to Hanoi to open NPR's Southeast Asia Bureau, which covers, but is not limited to, Indonesia, Thailand, The Philippines and his base, Vietnam.
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Michael Sullivan

Law

Jailed arms dealer Bout, 'the Merchant of Death,' may be swapped for 2 Americans

Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer imprisoned in Illinois, could be key to securing the freedom of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, two Americans who are being held in Russia.

Jailed arms dealer Bout, 'the Merchant of Death,' may be swapped for 2 Americans

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Asia

Myanmar carries out its first executions in decades, including democracy activists

Myanmar's military government has executed four people it accused of carrying out acts of terror. They're the first official executions in the Southeast Asia nation in decades.

Myanmar carries out its first executions in decades, including democracy activists

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Asia

Cambodian court sentences American lawyer amid crackdown on dissent

Cambodian American lawyer Theary Seng and dozens of others were convicted of treason last Tuesday, as Prime Minister Hun Sen continues to crackdown on dissent.

Cambodian court sentences American lawyer amid crackdown on dissent

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Asia

Biden welcomes leaders of Southeast Asian nations for special ASEAN summit

This week's summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations provides the latest opportunity for the Biden administration to push for isolating Russia internationally over the war in Ukraine.

Biden welcomes leaders of Southeast Asian nations for special ASEAN summit

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Asia

Myanmar court sentences Aung San Suu Kyi to 5 years in prison for corruption

The verdict was not unexpected. She is already serving a six-year term after being sentenced last year by a military-run court for violating COVID restrictions and illegally importing walkie-talkies.

Myanmar court sentences Aung San Suu Kyi to 5 years in prison for corruption

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In Thailand, the pandemic helped a famous beach recover from an onslaught of tourists

A tourist strolls along the white sand of Maya Beach in Thailand. The destination was once overrun by visitors, but thanks in part to the pandemic, its ecosystem has had time to recover. Michael Sullivan/NPR hide caption

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Michael Sullivan/NPR

Asia

In Thailand, the pandemic helped a famous beach recover from an onslaught of tourists

The Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach helped put Maya Bay on the "must see" list of every visitor to Thailand. But that proved too much for its delicate ecosystem. The pandemic helped change that.

In Thailand, the pandemic helped a famous beach recover from an onslaught of tourists

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Asia

1 year since Myanmar's coup, the military has been unable to stamp out the resistance

It's been a year since a coup threw Myanmar into chaos amid war crimes accusations against the military. Neither the military nor an increasingly organized resistance are showing signs of compromise.

1 year since Myanmar's coup, the military has been unable to stamp out the resistance

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Asia

As Khmer Rouge tribunal winds down, Cambodian experts see 'small measure of justice'

The Khmer Rouge killed as many as 2 million Cambodians in the 70s. Decades later, a tribunal was set up to help find justice. 15 years later, it's ending having found just three people guilty.

As Khmer Rouge tribunal winds down, Cambodian experts see 'small measure of justice'

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Asia

In Myanmar, military leaders will meet with visiting Cambodian prime minister

Cambodia's Hun Sen is in Myanmar, the first foreign leader to go there since last year's coup. Some hope the much criticized trip can persuade the junta to end the violence there.

In Myanmar, military leaders will meet with visiting Cambodian prime minister

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Asia

Myanmar's military is blamed for a Christmas Eve massacre

The attack in the east of the country left at least 35 people dead — as resistance to the military's Feb. 1 coup grows. The military has not responded directly to the allegations about the massacre.

Myanmar's military is blamed for a Christmas Eve massacre

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Asia

Vietnam sentences dissidents to prison for spreading anti-state propaganda

Four prominent Vietnamese dissidents have been given harsh prison terms for speaking out against the government. Activists say it's part of an escalating crackdown on dissent.

Vietnam sentences dissidents to prison for spreading anti-state propaganda

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Asia

A water diversion project that China is funding in Thailand is raising eyebrows

Plans for a new water diversion project in Thailand are alarming environmentalists. And a Chinese state-owned firm offered to finance it, raising flags with those who fear China's growing influence.

A water diversion project that China is funding in Thailand is raising eyebrows

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Asia

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his first visit to Southeast Asia

Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific" and pledged to strengthen relationships with partners in the region. His remarks came in Indonesia, the first stop on the trip.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on his first visit to Southeast Asia

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Asia

A court in Myanmar sentences ousted leader Suu Kyi to 4 years

Aung San Suu Kyi has been sentenced to four years in prison after a court found her guilty of incitement and violating coronavirus restrictions.

A court in Myanmar sentences ousted leader Suu Kyi to 4 years

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