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), a columnist at The Diplomat, and a correspondent for Asia Times.
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 a correspondent for Asia Times.
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.
June 14, 2023
Compelled Speech on the March in Cambodia With New ‘Mandatory’ Voting Law
By David Hutt
It is no longer enough to remain silent and keep out of politics. Cambodians are now required to actively affirm the ruling regime – including at the ballot box.
June 02, 2023
Will Thailand’s Move Forward Party Give Up on Lese-Majeste Reform?
By David Hutt
Even if it puts off amending the royal defamation law for now, change is probably inevitable given shifts in public attitudes toward the monarchy.
May 31, 2023
Cambodia’s Hun Sen is Fearful of What Will Happen after July’s General Election
By David Hutt
The Cambodian leader will not release his grip until the planned leadership transition to his son Hun Manet has been fully completed.
May 30, 2023
Hun Sen Is Keeping Kem Sokha Hostage. Will the West Respond to His Threats?
By David Hutt
The Cambodian leader is using his rival as a bargaining chip in anticipation of his clean sweep at July's national election.
May 03, 2023
Hun Sen Will Never Retire
By David Hutt
Even if Cambodia's leader steps back from his formal duties as prime minister, it is hard to see him abandoning politics altogether.
April 25, 2023
Time Is Running out for Indonesia to Turn the Tide on Myanmar
By David Hutt
If Indonesia ends up the steward of ASEAN’s failure over Myanmar, Laos – the next chair – will be the gravedigger.
April 24, 2023
Lèse-majesté Abolition Push Is Gaining Ground in Thailand
By David Hutt
In the May election, a significant number of Thais are expected to vote for a party that has spoken about the need to reform – or even abolish – the lèse-majesté law.
April 14, 2023
Defections, Rather Than Sanctions, Are What Is Needed For Myanmar
By David Hutt
The current Western approach may be pushing tycoons and senior officials into the military's arms. Better to entice them in the other direction.
April 12, 2023
Why Did Cambodia Finally Decide to Make the SEA Games Free?
By David Hutt
The timing of the decision suggests that it followed attempts by old guard politicians to squeeze as much profit out of the Games as possible.
March 31, 2023
In Cambodia, You Are Instructed To Love Your Abuser
By David Hutt
Prime Minister Hun Sen wants his people to adore him for not treating them as badly as he could have.
March 27, 2023
Who Is Vietnam’s Gorbachev?
By David Hutt
For some supporters of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the last party secretary of the Soviet Union offers a cautionary tale.
March 10, 2023
Myanmar’s NUG Rebel Government Needs Money
By David Hutt
Western financial aid to the opposition movement could help unify the anti-junta resistance, and even tip the balance in its favor.
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