Day 315

Corazon Aquino- The People Power President

Corazon Aquino

Thousands of Filipinos line up for the viewing of former President Corazon Aquino in Manila.

From the New York Times:
The same reverence for Mrs. Aquino — who served as president for six years after leading the movement to oust Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 — had been evident across the archipelago since Saturday morning, when it was announced that she had died of colon cancer at 76. Yellow ribbons, Mrs. Aquino’s symbol of defiance against Mr. Marcos’s rule 23 years ago, were everywhere Sunday — on arms, trees, lampposts, car antennas and Web sites. Prayers and Masses for the former president were scheduled across the country.

Day 203

More Political Unrest in Thailand

Tensions rise in Thailand as protesters bombard Bangkok to challenge Prime MinisterAbhisit Vejjajiva four month old regime.  Protesters align themselves with former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra, "a former policeman and Texas-educated devotee of George W. Bush."

Thaksin remains popular with Thailand's rural majority. Poor and marginalized Thais, especially in the north and northeast, were won over by his campaign of "paddy-field populism," offering health and education programs. His followers, known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, or UDD, believe he has the economic prowess to steer Thailand out of the global economic crisis.

Day 194

Border Disputes

Thailand and Cambodia clash over disputed territory in the area surrounding Preah Vihear Temple.  The Thai ministry claim that only one soldier has been killed while a Cambodian spokesman has reported that there were four Thai soldier casualties and 10 Thai prisoners.  

Day 159

For the Rohingya people and to the human quest to find a place to call "home".

Rohingya People

The Rohingya people, an ethnic Muslim minority in Burma, have been fleeing persecution and poverty  in waves.  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations are meeting to discuss the flood of refugees into neighboring countries.  The Thai government has threatened deportation of any illegal immigrants who are caught.  According to the article, the Rohingya people are willing to go anywhere they will be accepted.