James Buchanan

James Buchanan is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Asian and International Studies, at the City University of Hong Kong.

Thailand

Thai Skateboarders Defy Authorities With 'Anti-Dictator' Designs

From graffiti artists to rappers, youth subcultures are playing a key role in a new pro-democracy movement.
James Buchanan
10.14.20
china

How a Photo Sparked a Twitter War Between Chinese Nationalist Trolls and Young Thais

A Twitter spat over the weekend created “a new pan-Asian solidarity” between young Thais and China’s foes
James Buchanan
4.14.20
News

In Thailand, Activists Are Literally Fighting For Their Lives

“That’s now eight activists who have gone missing. We’re on their ‘wanted’ list too and with all the other targets eliminated, we could be next. We are like calves, waiting to be sent to the slaughterhouse.”
James Buchanan
5.20.19
VICE Votes

A Letter to the Thai Youth | จดหมายถึงคนไทยรุ่นใหม่

'There are many obstacles but none that are insurmountable. It’s up to us if we make it happen or not.' | 'เราเห็นหลายอย่างเป็นไปไม่ได้ แต่ความจริงเปิดโอกาสต่อ “ความเป็นไปได้” เสมอ มันอยู่ที่เราจะสร้างให้มันเกิดหรือไม่'
Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal
4.2.19
VICE Votes

Election Results Are Uncertain But One Thing Is Clear: Thailand Is Broken

'Before Thais can learn to have faith in the institutions that are so necessary to a functioning society, they need to start having faith in each other.'
James Buchanan
3.26.19
Culture

Viral Rap Video Links Thailand's Present Day Politics to a Dark and Violent Past

Rap Against Dictatorship's "My Country Has," touched a deep vein of resentment in a country still under military rule.
James Buchanan
11.9.18
Culture

Good Kids, Mad City: The Teenage Rappers Changing Minds About Bangkok's Notorious Slum

Eleven Fingers and 19Tyger want people to think of more than crime, poverty, and meth when they hear the words "Klong Toey."
James Buchanan
9.20.18
Thailand

This Street Artist Is Trying to Loosen the Junta's Iron Grip on Thailand With Humor

“The army are brave enough to stage a coup but frightened of comments on the internet."
James Buchanan
3.13.18