About

Sebastian Strangio is a journalist and author focusing on Southeast Asia. Since 2008, his reporting from across the region has appeared in more than 30 leading publications in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

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Articles
Activist murder heightens political tensions in Cambodia

Activist murder heightens political tensions in Cambodia

Political tensions are intensifying in Cambodia following the brazen daytime killing of a high-profile activist in the capital Phnom Penh.
The Rise, Fall and Possible Renewal of a Town in Laos on China’s Border

The Rise, Fall and Possible Renewal of a Town in Laos on China’s Border

For five years, this remote town on the China-Laos border has lived in the shadow of more prosperous times.
Aung San Suu Kyi faces dilemma over controversial dam project

Aung San Suu Kyi faces dilemma over controversial dam project

Since its suspension five years ago, the $3.6 billion Myitsone hydropower project has come to symbolize the bad old days in Myanmar.
Tourist hordes put strain on Luang Prabang’s heritage

Tourist hordes put strain on Luang Prabang’s heritage

The enthusiasm of tourists for Luang Prabang’s heady charms has brought prosperity to the former royal capital of Laos, but is the influx of visitors damaging its cultural treasures?
The new 'explorers'

The new ‘explorers’

In June 1866, six Frenchmen departed from Ho Chi Minh City on a dangerous mission up the mighty Mekong River.
China's footprint kicks up concerns in tiny Laos

China’s footprint kicks up concerns in tiny Laos

The Kings Romans Casino stands out in this remote corner of northwestern Laos, its giant illuminated neon crown towering over a landscape of banana plantations and jungle-clad mountains.
As a frontier economy booms, Cambodia's capital rises

As a frontier economy booms, Cambodia’s capital rises

PHNOM PENH — For most of its history, the sleepy Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh was best known for its charming, tree-lined boulevards and Buddhist pagodas.
North Korea's multimillion-dollar museum in Cambodia

North Korea’s multimillion-dollar museum in Cambodia

North Korea hopes to reap large profits from its new Angkor Panorama Museum in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Spinning the myth of a 16th-century king as elections loom in Cambodia

Spinning the myth of a 16th-century king as elections loom in Cambodia

The former capital of the 16th century Cambodian King Sdech Kan is a sleepy place, filled with birdsong and that particular air of shabby mysticism that seems to surround pagodas in rural parts of Cambodia.
Communist Hard-Liners Ascendant in Vietnam, Despite TPP Membership

Communist Hard-Liners Ascendant in Vietnam, Despite TPP Membership

PHNOM PENH—Conservative forces have strengthened their grip in Vietnam after the ruling Communist Party, late last month, elected its incumbent general-secretary to a second five-year term in the country’s top political office.
With connectivity boom, Cambodia's political battles shift online

With connectivity boom, Cambodia’s political battles shift online

PHNOM PENH — In September 2015, a Facebook page bearing the name of Prime Minister Hun Sen notched up its millionth “like.”
Great Expectations: Will Myanmar’s Election Bring Real Change?

Great Expectations: Will Myanmar’s Election Bring Real Change?

On Nov. 8, an estimated 30 million people took part in Myanmar’s first free national election in a quarter-century.