Thailand

Working undercover in 1971, former US narcotics agent Michael Levine meets heroin traffickers in Bangkok, Thailand.

Narcs and spies: The drug war’s murky origins in Southeast Asia

In a nationwide address in the 1970s, President Richard Nixon declared drug abuse to be “public enemy No. 1” and stepped up efforts to shut down the global trade. Much of the initial efforts of the DEA were focused on Southeast Asia where US troops in Vietnam were using heroin. 

A traditional dish from the Isaan region of Thailand served at the Vermont restaurant Saap

Self-taught chef introduces rural Vermonters to traditional Thai cuisine

Food
Officers gather kratom plants in Phang Nha province, Thailand. Thailand on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, decriminalized the possession and sale of kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia.

Thailand legalizes kratom, a mild narcotic leaf

Health & Medicine
Abdul Salam Hanafi, a deputy prime minister in the Taliban's interim government, left, speaks with acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Taliban official Amir Khan Muttaqi during talks involving Afghan representatives in Moscow, Russia

Russia hosts multinational talks on Afghanistan

Top of The World
A caravan of migrants head north towards the US-Mexico border, as they depart from Tapachula, Mexico

Migrants set up camp under Del Rio bridge along US-Mexico border

Top of The World
A pickup truck is shown flying the white and black Taliban flag in the distance with two people holding rifles in the nearground.

Thousands desperate to be evacuated from Afghanistan

Top of The World

Top of The World: Tens of thousands of people remain stuck in Afghanistan, desperate to be evacuated following the Taliban’s takeover. And, Vice President Kamala Harris’ once low-risk trip to Asia has taken on new importance as she will attempt to reassure allies of American credibility. Also, health officials in Australia are warning that major cities like Sydney and Melbourne may be losing control of a COVID-19 outbreak fueled by the more contagious delta variant.

A one-month dosage of hormonal birth control pills is displayed. Early-stage abortions are legal in Thailand, but many doctors and nurses there refuse to do them.

In Thailand, new abortion freedoms face spiritual resistance

Sacred Nation

Early-stage abortions are legal in Thailand, but many doctors and nurses there refuse to do them.

A worker wearing a yellow safety hat inspects disposable blue gloves at a factory.

US human trafficking report elicits anger from several countries

Human rights

The Biden administration’s first comprehensive annual review of modern slavery is causing shockwaves around the world.

Five cows roam in a field with trees in the background and a person walking behind them with a hat and satchel

In Thailand, you could win a free cow with a COVID jab

COVID-19

One district plans to give out a cow each week through a raffle system for the rest of the year — and even deliver them to the winners’ homes.

Sour pork soup flecked with cannabis leaves, served at Baan Lao Ruang restaurant in Thailand.

Amid narcotics reform, Thai cooks replace MSG with cannabis

Shifting attitudes about narcotics in Thailand have reached restaurants. From stir-fries and rich curries to tempura-fried leaves, chefs are experimenting with cannabis flavors.