Rachel Mealey completed her cadetship with ABC Brisbane in 1997 and worked at ABC Longreach before moving to Sydney Radio Current Affairs and later ABC TV News. She covered significant events such as the arrests of the Bali 9 and the aftermath of the tsunami in Aceh. In 2010, she moved to Tokyo and reported on the Japan earthquake and tsunami for ABC in March 2011.

The article discusses the importance of teaching boys about consent, sexual harassment, and assault, emphasizing the role of parents alongside schools. The author, a mother of three teenage sons, shares her experiences and the value of allowing boys to express their emotions. The article highlights the societal pressures on teenage boys, especially regarding sex and consent, and suggests that parents have a significant impact on their sons' behavior. Dr. Michael Salter, Associate Professor of Criminology at UNSW, contributes insights on the challenges faced by boys with different levels of support at home and the role of school culture in teaching consent. The piece advocates for open communication between parents and sons and a 'flexible masculinity' that allows boys to be emotionally honest.

In November 2012, Barack Obama was set to become the first sitting U.S. president to visit Cambodia, a country previously bombed by the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Just before his arrival, banners proclaiming 'Long Live the People’s Republic of China' were prominently displayed outside the East Asia Summit venue in Phnom Penh, signaling a diplomatic snub.

Concerns have arisen that Australian contractors may be preventing seasonal workers from Vanuatu from returning home during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite the Australian government's stance that workers should be allowed to return, reports indicate that misinformation and threats of being stranded without support are being used to dissuade them. The Vanuatu government has suspended new participation in the seasonal worker scheme, while Australia considers extending visas for current workers to support its agriculture industry.

Elon Musk faces a defamation hearing in Los Angeles over his 'pedo guy' tweet directed at British caver Vernon Unsworth, who played a key role in the Thai cave rescue. Musk's defense claims the term is a common insult in South Africa, though local academics dispute this. Musk's legal team argues he did not intend to brand Unsworth a paedophile and relied on a private investigator's unverified reports. Unsworth seeks $111,000 in damages, asserting Musk's accusations were baseless and malicious.

Marking 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the article explores diverse perspectives of Chinese-Australians on China's political and social evolution. Interviewees express a range of views, from admiration for China's economic progress to criticism of its lack of democracy and human rights issues. The article highlights personal stories and opinions, reflecting on the impact of Chinese governance on individuals' lives and aspirations for greater openness and democracy.

China is preparing for the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic with a large military parade at Tiananmen Square, reminiscent of the one held seven decades ago. In light of this event, PM has gathered the perspectives of seven Australians with Chinese heritage.

Save The Children's report 'Road to Recovery' calls for increased international aid funding for mental health programs for children in high-intensity conflict zones, citing the 7 million children at risk of severe mental health issues. The organization urges developed nations like Australia to contribute to the $2.6 billion 'Education Can't Wait' fund and to implement psychological support in conflict areas. Personal stories from individuals like Vashini Jayakumar, who found mental health support in Australia after fleeing Sri Lanka, and children in Yemen and Bangladesh, illustrate the urgent need for such programs.

Hong Kong student activist Zoey Leung was briefly detained by Australian Border Force upon arrival in Melbourne, raising concerns of political targeting. Clive Hamilton expressed shame over the incident. The event featuring Badiucao and Denise Ho faced venue rejections, with accusations of self-censorship against the National Gallery of Victoria. Hong Kong's extradition bill was withdrawn, but protesters demand further actions. Badiucao emphasized the importance of satire in activism, while Hamilton compared the situation to historical tyranny. Attendees expressed fears of retribution and a desire for democracy in Hong Kong.

Australian-led research has uncovered several previously undiscovered giant stone jars in Laos, believed to be related to ancient burial practices. The jars, scattered across Laos's north-east, have perplexed scientists for decades. The research, involving geospatial mapping and soil sampling, aims to uncover the origins and purposes of these jars. Despite challenges like unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War, the team has made significant progress, including finding potential habitation sites and using advanced techniques to date the jars. The project is a collaboration between Australian universities and the Laos Government, with plans for further exploration.

Musicians in Thailand who have criticized the military and monarchy are fearing for their lives following a series of murders and disappearances. Notably, three Thai dissidents went missing from Laos, with two of their bodies found in the Mekong River filled with concrete. The situation underscores the ongoing political repression and human rights abuses in the region.

The Australian Government is accused of abandoning Syrian refugee Abdullah Zalghani and his family in Cambodia, failing to honor promises of education and health insurance. Despite a $55 million deal with Cambodia, Zalghani's children remain without schooling, and the International Organisation for Migration has ceased support services. The family, struggling financially, is now appealing to Canada for resettlement.

The Australian Government is facing accusations of failing to fulfill promises to a Syrian refugee, Abdullah Zalghani, who resettled in Cambodia. Zalghani claims that the lack of private school education and health insurance for his four children, which were part of the reasons he agreed to leave Nauru, constitutes abandonment by the government.

Survivors of the dam collapse in Laos are questioning the allocation of aid funds provided by countries including Australia, as nearly 4,000 people remain in camps nine months after the disaster. The situation highlights issues within the communist state of Laos, which is criticized for focusing on foreign-funded mega-projects rather than addressing the extreme poverty of its citizens. Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, has recently visited the country.

Thailand's election has been marred by allegations of irregularities, including soldiers checking ballots and discrepancies in vote counts. The main pro-junta party, Palang Pracharat, claims the lead in votes, while the pro-democracy Pheu Thai party is set to secure more seats. The Election Commission, installed by the junta, has faced criticism for its handling of the election, including delayed results and logistical errors. The final results are expected to be released in May, amid concerns of potential manipulation.

Thailand's upcoming election is a pivotal moment after five years of military rule, with voters choosing between pro-junta and anti-junta parties. Key figures include General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Thaksin Shinawatra, and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. The election system, influenced by the 2017 Constitution, favors smaller parties and the military-backed Senate. The outcome remains uncertain, with potential for continued political instability.

Hakeem AlAraibi's wife has appealed to Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha for assistance in securing her husband's release from detention. AlAraibi, who has refugee status in Australia, was detained in Bangkok during his honeymoon due to an Interpol notice from Bahrain, where he faces charges he denies. The Thai government is being pressured to negotiate a solution, especially after the recent case of Rahaf Mohammed, a Saudi teenager granted asylum in Canada. Thailand's Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai has called for dialogue between Australia and Bahrain to resolve the situation.

Bahrain has officially requested the extradition of Hakeem AlAraibi, a Melbourne-based refugee detained in Bangkok, for vandalism charges he claims are politically motivated. AlAraibi, who was detained in Thailand during his honeymoon, faces a lengthy legal process. Bahrain's Interior Minister criticized external calls for his release, while AlAraibi's supporters argue he is being targeted for criticizing a Bahraini royal. The international sports community is rallying in support of AlAraibi, who has been granted refugee status in Australia.

Craig Foster, former Socceroos captain, visited refugee Hakeem AlAraibi in a Bangkok prison, expressing deep concern for his well-being and urging the Australian Government and FIFA to intervene. AlAraibi, detained in Thailand due to an Interpol Red Notice from Bahrain, fears returning to Bahrain where he believes he will face persecution. Foster criticized FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation for their inaction, highlighting the case as a critical test of FIFA's human rights policy. Thailand has given Bahrain a deadline to lodge a formal extradition request, while Foster continues to advocate for AlAraibi's release.

In June, 12 boys from the Wild Boars soccer team and their coach were trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand. After ten days of intense international rescue efforts, they were found alive by British divers John Volanthen and Rick Stanton. The rescue operation faced numerous challenges, including strong currents, poor visibility, and the boys' deteriorating physical condition. Despite the odds, the boys survived by rationing water and maintaining hope. The Thai Navy's Special Forces, along with international volunteers, played a crucial role in the rescue, supported by the King of Thailand. The discovery of the boys alive brought global relief and joy, but the challenge of safely extracting them from the cave remained daunting.

The article recounts the dramatic rescue of 12 boys and their coach from the Wild Boars football team, who were trapped in a Thai cave. Initially, the world was told the boys would swim to freedom, but the real plan involved sedating them and having expert divers carry them out. The rescue operation, which involved international collaboration and innovative techniques, faced numerous challenges, including the tragic death of a former Thai SEAL. Despite the immense risks, all 13 were successfully rescued, providing a rare moment of global unity and hope.

Liam Cochrane is the Southeast Asia correspondent for the Australia Broadcasting Company. He has previously served as the Managing Editor of the Phnom Penh Post and has hosted Radio Australia's Connect Asia. Cochrane has extensive experience reporting for radio and television across Asia and the Pacific, including a stint as the Papua New Guinea correspondent.

Saudi teenager Rahaf Alqunun expressed joy upon learning that Australia might resettle her, following her plea for asylum due to fears of family retribution for renouncing Islam. The UN refugee agency referred her case to Australia, which is considering it. Alqunun's asylum application was expedited due to security concerns after her father and brother arrived in Bangkok. She remains under Thai police protection. Activists are urging the Australian Government to support her asylum bid. The case has drawn international attention, highlighting Saudi Arabia's repressive guardianship system for women.

Saudi teenager Rahaf Alqunun has avoided deportation from Bangkok and is under the protection of the UNHCR. She is seeking asylum due to threats from her family after renouncing Islam, highlighting the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia.

Thai authorities have assured that Rahaf Alqunun, an 18-year-old Saudi woman seeking asylum in Australia, will not be deported back to Saudi Arabia. Alqunun, fearing for her life after renouncing Islam, barricaded herself in a Bangkok airport hotel room and requested UNHCR intervention. Despite initial resistance, UNHCR representatives interviewed her, and she is now in Thai immigration custody. The Thai Government has given mixed signals, with some officials indicating coordination with Australia and others suggesting bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia. Activists and experts urge Australia to support her asylum bid, though legal obligations are unclear. The case draws parallels to a similar incident involving another Saudi woman, Dina Ali Lasloom, who was forcibly returned to Saudi Arabia in 2017.

Hakeem AlAraibi, a Bahrain-born Australian resident, is detained in a Thai prison awaiting a 60-day deportation ruling. His case raises concerns due to a recent deportation of a Cambodian man to Phnom Penh, where the autocratic government of Hun Sen sought him for his role in a film about sex trafficking. The situation underscores fears of potential torture and unjust treatment.

British divers Rick Stanton, John Volanthen, and caver Rob Harper arrived in Thailand to assist in the rescue of a soccer team trapped in Tham Luang cave, facing initial reluctance from the Thai military. Tensions arose due to communication barriers and the military's control over the operation. Despite challenges, including rising water levels and logistical issues, the British divers played a crucial role in laying guide lines and rescuing four Thai pump workers. The US Indo-Pacific Command also participated, with personnel from the Special Tactics Squadron aiding the mission. The rescue operation was fraught with difficulties but ultimately successful, with the divers' expertise proving essential.

Cambodia's upcoming election is widely regarded as a 'sham' designed to extend Prime Minister Hun Sen's 33-year rule. The opposition has been dismantled, and independent media silenced. Australia's involvement is scrutinized, particularly its 2014 refugee deal with Cambodia, which has been criticized for compromising human rights. The article highlights historical ties between Australia and Cambodia, and recent international actions against Hun Sen's regime, including U.S. sanctions. The piece calls for Australia to reconsider its diplomatic stance towards Cambodia.

Australia has decided not to send diplomats to monitor the Cambodian election, joining the United States in avoiding legitimization of what is seen as a 'sham' poll. The Cambodian People's Party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, faces no significant challenge after the main opposition was outlawed. The lead-up to the election has been tainted by threats, intimidation, and media shutdowns. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has voiced concerns, while the defunct opposition has praised Australia's stance. The ruling party has dismissed foreign assessments, and despite calls for a boycott, the effectiveness remains uncertain amid reports of voter intimidation and internet censorship.

Following the Thai cave rescue, attention has turned to the stateless status of three boys and their assistant coach, highlighting the broader issue of statelessness in Thailand. Adul Sam-on, one of the stateless boys, is recognized for his English communication with the British divers and his academic achievements despite his lack of citizenship. The Wild Boars football team, coached by Nopparat Kanthawong, is known for its open door policy and focus on keeping kids off the streets. Assistant coach Ekkapol Chantawong, also stateless, taught the boys to meditate, drawing on his experience as a Buddhist monk. The rescue mission brought a moment of unity to Thailand, transcending political divisions, but the future of this sentiment remains uncertain.

Chinese hackers have targeted Cambodia's Government ahead of the national elections, according to a report by US-based security firm FireEye. The hacking group TEMP.Periscope has infiltrated key branches of the Cambodian Government, including the Senate and various ministries, as well as opposition figures and local media. FireEye's senior manager, Benjamin Read, notes that the hackers are gathering intelligence rather than interfering with the election. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, a pro-Beijing leader, is expected to win the upcoming election, amid increased Chinese aid and support for Beijing's South China Sea claims.

Intu Incharoen, who had a similar experience getting lost in the Tham Luang cave complex 16 years ago, recounts his adventure as a teenager. He and his friends, including a 12-year-old, thought they encountered a ghost when they heard a girl's voice in the darkness. They had entered the cave during monsoon season against warnings and became lost, eventually finding their way out after nine hours. The cave, near the border town of Mae Sai in Chiang Mai province, is now the site where the Wild Boars soccer team is stranded, but it has long been a popular spot for local teens seeking adventure.

Australian filmmaker James Ricketson is set to stand trial in Cambodia on espionage charges, facing a potential 10-year prison sentence. Ricketson, who has been in pre-trial detention for over a year, is accused of spying, a charge he denies. His trial comes amid a political crackdown by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has dissolved the main opposition party ahead of the upcoming elections. Ricketson's health is deteriorating in prison, and his family is concerned for his well-being. The trial's transparency is in question, with uncertainty over whether observers will be allowed.

In Roi Et Province, Thailand, the annual rocket festival sees locals crafting and launching rockets made from gunpowder and bamboo to celebrate the fun-loving culture of Isaan. The festival, which includes gambling despite its illegality, has social impacts such as debts and domestic violence. The Thai military junta has attempted to curb gambling by restricting rocket sizes. The festival also features cultural elements like music, dance, and folklore, with rockets symbolizing a plea for rain. The event concludes with the launch of a large rocket, the Apollo, followed by rain, marking the end of the festivities.

Cybersecurity researchers suspect a Vietnamese state hacking group used the Phnom Penh Post's website to target a human rights organization. The attack occurred shortly after the newspaper was sold by Australian mining magnate Bill Clough to a Malaysian spin doctor. This incident coincides with increasing media repression in Cambodia ahead of an election.

A Vietnamese state-linked hacking group targeted Cambodian human rights organization Licadho using a malware attack through the Phnom Penh Post website, shortly after its sale by Australian Bill Clough to Malaysian Sivakumar Ganapathy. Cybersecurity firm FireEye identified the group as APT32, known for acting in Vietnam's political interests. The attack, which began around May 8, involved redirecting Licadho staff to a fake Google privacy page and a phishing site called GTransfer. FireEye had detected the Post's website compromise in November 2017. The attack comes ahead of Cambodia's national election on July 29, amidst increasing authoritarian actions by Prime Minister Hun Sen, including media attacks and suppression of opposition.

Intense fighting in Myanmar's Kachin State has trapped thousands of civilians without supplies, with aid workers expressing deep concern. The conflict, rooted in historical ethnic tensions, has seen recent escalations, displacing many and trapping others in conflict zones. Despite peace being a stated priority for Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, significant progress in peace talks remains elusive.

An Australian, Chris Dawe, who won a $344,000 wrongful dismissal case against the Phnom Penh Post, allegedly had a 'major backer' aiding his legal battle, according to an email obtained by ABC. The case has raised concerns about judicial integrity, with Dawe denying the authenticity of the email. The Phnom Penh Post, facing significant financial and legal pressures, is emblematic of broader attacks on media freedom in Cambodia, driven by Prime Minister Hun Sen's government. The Khmer Times, a pro-government newspaper, is linked to controversial figures and funding sources. The Cambodian media landscape is under severe strain, with independent outlets being shut down or heavily taxed.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop stated that Myanmar should permit an independent investigation into human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims before repatriating refugees from Bangladesh. Nearly 700,000 Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh due to a violent campaign by Myanmar's security forces, described by the UN as 'textbook ethnic cleansing.' The Myanmar Government views the violence as a response to Rohingya militant attacks. The UN Security Council is visiting refugee camps in Bangladesh and will meet with Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Australia has pledged an additional $15 million in aid for the Rohingya crisis, bringing its total contribution to $46.5 million, but has not suspended military cooperation with Myanmar, unlike the UK.

Two Australians involved in a deadly explosion at a Cambodian shooting range were tourists, not military trainers as initially claimed by Cambodian authorities. The blast killed an Australian man and a Cambodian, and injured another Australian and two Cambodians. The Australian Defence Department confirmed no military personnel were involved. The range, run by the Cambodian military, is popular among tourists for firing heavy weapons. Cambodian authorities initially misreported the Australians' roles, leading to confusion.

Sofitel hotel chain is silent on its Cambodian director Kim Sokleap's business ties to the shooting of protesters at a Memot Rubber Plantation. Kim Sokleap, related to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, is also a director of the plantation where security forces recently attacked farmers, burning homes and firing shots. Global Witness highlights the Hun family's control over foreign capital in Cambodia and the risks to companies. The Cambodian government's crackdown on dissent is intensifying ahead of the July election, with the main opposition party dissolved and its leader imprisoned.

Two Australian tourists were involved in a fatal explosion at a Cambodian military-run shooting range, contradicting initial claims by Cambodian authorities that they were military trainers. The incident occurred in Kampong Speu, killing an Australian man and a Cambodian, with three others injured. The Australian Defence Department confirmed no Australian Defence Force personnel were involved, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting the victims' families. Cambodian military personnel have been instructed not to speak to media, and the police investigation is hindered by lack of military cooperation.

An explosion at a shooting range near Phnom Penh, Cambodia, resulted in the death of one Australian military trainer and injuries to another. The incident occurred during a joint training exercise involving Cambodian military personnel. A mishandled decades-old land mine caused the blast, which also killed and injured several Cambodians. The Cambodian Government and military are investigating the incident. The Australian embassy has not commented. Cambodia continues to face challenges with land mines, which have caused numerous casualties since 1979.

Emails from James Ricketson, an Australian accused of espionage in Cambodia, reveal his strong dislike for Prime Minister Hun Sen and support for the opposition, but show no evidence of spying. Ricketson, who has been in pre-trial detention since June 2017, faces a potential 10-year sentence if convicted. The emails, dated from 2012 to 2014, include correspondence with opposition leader Sam Rainsy and reflect Ricketson's enthusiasm for the political events in Cambodia. Despite his critical views of the ruling party, the emails do not indicate any involvement in organizing opposition activities. The case continues in Phnom Penh, with further emails under investigation.

Emails sent by Australian filmmaker James Ricketson to Cambodia's political opposition and media are under investigation for espionage, which he claims is a baseless 'fishing expedition.' Ricketson, facing a potential 10-year sentence, maintains his innocence, asserting no evidence of espionage exists in his emails. The Cambodian National Rescue Party, now illegal, faces severe government crackdowns, with its leaders in exile or jailed. Ricketson's son, Jesse, supports his father's claims of innocence, highlighting the lack of evidence and the harsh conditions of his detention.

Thai businessman Premchai Karnasuta, owner of Italian-Thai Development, has been ordered to appear in court for poaching a rare black leopard in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary. Found with rifles and carcasses, he faces multiple charges and could be sentenced to 28 years in prison. The incident has sparked public outrage and comparisons to past poaching scandals with political consequences. Ranger Wichien Chinnawong, who arrested Premchai, has been hailed as a hero, receiving support from Princess Ubolratana. The case raises questions about the influence of the government-business-royal elite in Thailand and the potential for justice to be served.

An Australian man, Benjamin Robb, died after a bar fight in Pattaya, Thailand, where he was reportedly choking a waitress before being punched by an American, Jose Manuel Polanco Jr, in self-defense. Robb sustained severe injuries and died despite medical treatment. Both men were heavily intoxicated, and the incident is under investigation by Thai police. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is assisting Robb's family.

The United States has sanctioned Australian Abbas Eberahim for his involvement with Kings Romans Casino in Laos, which is accused of facilitating illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and wildlife trade. The casino, effectively operating as Chinese territory, is at the heart of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone and caters predominantly to the Chinese market. Despite the sanctions, the casino continues to operate, with allegations of it being used to launder drug money.

The repatriation of 680,000 Rohingya Muslims from Bangladesh to Myanmar has been delayed due to logistical issues, according to Bangladesh's refugee relief and rehabilitation commissioner Abul Kalam. The process was set to begin today but has been postponed as preparations such as the list of people, their verification, and transit camps are incomplete. Fortify Rights, an investigation and advocacy group, believes the delay is for the wrong reasons, pointing out ongoing insecurity and human rights violations in Rakhine State. Many Rohingya villages have been destroyed, and the apartheid system they fled remains. The United Nations refugee agency insists on voluntary return only if rights and safety are assured, while a survey indicates 89 percent of Rohingyas are unwilling to return, with one woman expressing a preference for being thrown into the sea over repatriation.

Thai police arrested three Australians and a Canadian in Pattaya, believed to be members of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, seizing weapons and a sports car. The men are suspected of involvement in illegal activities such as drugs, human trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Two of the men tested positive for drugs and will face charges before deportation. The arrests follow the murder of an Australian Hells Angels boss in Pattaya two years ago.

The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Cambodian officials accused of undermining democracy, urging the Cambodian Government to reinstate the political opposition and release opposition leader Kem Sokha. The US State Department's actions are a response to the ruling party's crackdown on political freedom, including the dissolution of the main opposition party and the closure of independent media. Exiled opposition politician Mu Sochua has called on Australia to follow suit with targeted sanctions, highlighting the investments of high-ranking Cambodian officials in Australia, which she claims are linked to corruption.

Thailand's Ministry of Defence introduced a mascot named Little Sister Pinky Promise as a symbol of national reconciliation. The character, revealed by soldiers, is a cartoon girl designed to represent non-violence, purity, and unity. Despite the mascot being part of a 10-point reconciliation plan by the military junta, social media reactions were largely critical. The Thai army continues to combat separatists in the south and maintain control following the 2014 coup, with elections scheduled for November 2018 and the military securing oversight of future governments for 20 years.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has intensified his anti-foreigner rhetoric by targeting the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights (CCHR), accusing it of being foreign-created and calling for its shutdown. This move is part of a broader campaign to dismantle independent voices and political opposition ahead of next year's elections. The CCHR, founded by opposition leader Kem Sokha, has received foreign funding and remains one of the few non-aligned organizations advocating for human rights in Cambodia. The attack has drawn condemnation from ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights and international figures, highlighting the increasing pressure on civil society under Hun Sen's regime.

The family of 18-year-old Thai military cadet Pakapong Tanyakan is demanding answers after his body was returned without several organs following an autopsy. The Thai Army claims he died of a heart attack, but a second autopsy revealed missing organs and injuries not reported by army doctors. The case highlights ongoing issues with hazing and recruit deaths in Thailand's military. The article also discusses different practices for handling autopsied organs in the US and Australia.

The 11-year-old daughter of Vietnamese activist Nguyen Ngọc Nhu Quynh, known as Mother Mushroom, has appealed to Melania Trump to help free her mother, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for her activism. Mother Mushroom, a prominent critic of the Vietnamese government, was unable to accept an award from the US State Department due to her detention. Human Rights Watch has highlighted a surge in arrests of political prisoners in Vietnam ahead of the APEC summit, criticizing the lack of focus on human rights by world leaders. Nam, Mother Mushroom's daughter, is living with her grandmother and younger brother while her mother remains imprisoned.

The 11-year-old daughter of Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, a political prisoner in Vietnam known as 'Mother Mushroom,' has appealed to US first lady Melania Trump to help secure her mother's release. Quynh, a prominent critic of the Vietnamese Government, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for her activism. Her daughter seeks support from Melania Trump, who had previously awarded Quynh, as President Trump visits Vietnam for the APEC summit.

During the Japan leg of his Asia trip, US President Donald Trump emphasized his personal relationships with world leaders, particularly Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump and Abe both advocated for 'maximum pressure' on North Korea, contrasting with Obama's 'strategic patience' approach. The Trump administration is also reframing the regional narrative by using 'Indo-Pacific' instead of 'Asia Pacific', highlighting India's significance and maritime security. Trump's off-script remarks at a press conference with Abe revealed a competitive edge, overshadowing the intended camaraderie. The article suggests that while Obama's 'pivot' to Asia is no longer a policy, Trump's alternative vision for the region remains unclear.

35 asylum seekers escaped from the Manus Island detention centre but were quickly recaptured. The breakout, attributed to heightened tensions, resulted in eight arrests and 19 injuries. Immigration Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the situation is under control and reiterated the commitment to resettle refugees in Papua New Guinea. Local and international stakeholders, including the Australian Government and the United Nations, are involved in determining the resettlement policy. The Manus Island detention centre has a complex history, having been reopened by the Labor government in 2012 after its initial closure in 2008.

The Maoists, having secured a significant number of seats in Nepal's election, are planning to adopt capitalist economic policies to transition towards socialism. Despite their radical background, they aim to boost the economy through agriculture, tourism, IT, and hydropower, while maintaining diplomatic balance between India and China. They also plan to review the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty and have affirmed that Tibet is part of China, disallowing free-Tibet activities in Nepal. The US's designation of the Maoist party as terrorists, which affects aid programs, is another issue to be addressed.

Election observers anticipate a tense aftermath to Nepal's voting due to complex logistics and potential for conflict. The International Crisis Group warns that any election outcome could heighten tensions, with defeated parties and militant groups likely to challenge results. The slow vote-counting process, exacerbated by difficult terrain and a complex voting system, may further delay results and incite unrest. The election will determine a 601-member Constituent Assembly to rewrite the constitution and decide the monarchy's fate. UN representative Ian Martin cautions that electoral malpractice could necessitate repolling and urges patience and cooperation among political leaders.

A documentary titled 'Fairytale of Kathmandu' has sparked debate in Ireland by exposing the sexual exploitation of Nepali teens by an Irish-language poet, O'Searcaigh. The film, which screened at the Dublin International Film Festival, questions the morality of O'Searcaigh's actions, although it does not accuse him of breaking any laws. The issue highlights the growing unchecked sex tourism industry in Nepal, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, weak law enforcement, and misplaced trust in foreigners. Social workers and police note an increase in sex tourism involving teenagers, with many cases involving gifts to lure children into abuse. Despite arrests, few foreigners have faced trial, with political instability and fear of diplomatic incidents hindering investigations.

Nepal faces significant logistical challenges in conducting its upcoming national election due to its rugged topography, lack of infrastructure, and cold weather. The election, which will be the first without the logistical support of Nepal's army, will see 17.6 million voters elect 601 members of a Constituent Assembly. The Carter Centre, led by former US President Jimmy Carter, is deploying special teams to observe the election in remote areas. Security concerns are heightened due to militant threats, and financial constraints remain a challenge with a significant portion of the election budget still unfunded. The election process includes unique measures to accommodate high illiteracy rates and ensure voter integrity.

Tourists trekking in Nepal's Lamjung district are being coerced into making 'donations' by Maoist groups, despite a peace agreement prohibiting such actions. The United Revolutionary People's Council and the Young Communist League are enforcing these payments, sometimes using threats. While some trekkers feel threatened, others view the experience as less severe. The funds are purportedly for aiding martyr's families and improving conditions for Maoist fighters, though the exact use remains unclear.