The Thai political crisis, which has resurfaced since the coup of May 22, 2014, has been closely monitored by the international community. The military overthrew the elected government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and has since claimed to undertake political reforms. But up to this point, there have been no concrete reforms, nor any prospect of a fresh election. Thailand may have to live with military rule for some time.
For the past few days, trucks carrying everyday supplies have not entered Nepal from major checkpoints at the Indian border. Many Nepalis, including government officials have called this an “unofficial economic blockade” imposed by India.
As with Tamils in Sri Lanka, India has close cultural, ethnic and linguistic ties with Madhesis in Nepal.
Nepal has erupted in protest against India’s interference after the Himalayan country adopted its secular constitution. Though there are many issues pending, the constitution seeks to transform Nepal into a modern republic and guarantees civil rights to all its citizens.
The emaciated faces of hundreds of refugees found adrift in Thai waters on Thursday spoke volumes about the scale of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in South Asia. Reporters on Thursday found about 400 refugees from Myanmar’s Muslim Rohingya minority crammed aboard a wooden fishing boat in the Andaman Sea, desperate for food and water.
![[Sign petition on White House Website] – Stop landfill work in Okinawa until a referendum can be held!](http://www.asiaprogressive.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Okinawa-landfill-henoko-90x75.jpg)
