Investigative Journalist | Conflict, repression, & transnational crime in SE Asia. Bylines | @nytimes, @washingtonpost, @guardian, others.

Caleb Quinley’s Journalist Portfolio

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The woman on a mission to expose torture in Thailand's troubled south

The woman on a mission to expose torture in Thailand's troubled south

The Guardian — Much of Anchana Heemmina's work involves listening to stories of immeasurable pain, all part of her campaign to stop the cycle of violence that has long haunted Thailand's troubled southern provinces. Her work striving for human rights and to prevent torture by state authorities has put Heemmina's life in danger.

'We wanted to scare them': the brothers who fought back against Myanmar's army

'We wanted to scare them': the brothers who fought back against Myanmar's army

The Guardian — The young men only had a moment to study the river before rushing into the waist-deep water. The brothers - ranging in age from 15 to 21 - were unfamiliar with the border area and afraid of being seen. On the run from Myanmar's military, they pushed on into the Thaunggin River.

Why This Former American Soldier Keeps Returning to War Zones

Why This Former American Soldier Keeps Returning to War Zones

VICE — On a wooded path surrounded by mountains stretching for miles in all directions, Dave Eubank and his team of medics encountered a group of people fleeing a military crackdown in Myanmar. “How can we help you?” asked Eubank, dressed in a shade of green that matched the forest blanketing the Myanmar-Thai border. “We want our country back,” one replied.

'Can't give up': Rise in attacks against Thai democracy activists

'Can't give up': Rise in attacks against Thai democracy activists

Al Jazeera — Bangkok, Thailand - Democracy activists in Thailand have been the target of increasing physical assaults and intimidation since the March elections - the first since 2014's military coup - that led to the return of military leader Prayuth Chan-Ocha to power.

A Buddhist Monk Was Accused of Criticizing the Thai King. He Fled the Country.

A Buddhist Monk Was Accused of Criticizing the Thai King. He Fled the Country.

VICE — The pro-democracy protests enveloping Thailand are drawing in more monks in an unusual mix of religion and politics.

'Culture of violence': The Thai military's problem with abuse

'Culture of violence': The Thai military's problem with abuse

Al Jazeera — Death of drug suspect after violent interrogation has put spotlight on allegations of abuse in Thailand's military. Bangkok, Thailand - Just hours after Yutthana Saisa was detained in northeastern Thailand last month, the 33-year-old was dead. Picked up with his younger brother on suspicion of drug crimes, seven soldiers took the two men to a small Buddhist temple nearby for questioning.

Thai activists risk murder, abduction in fight for land rights

Thai activists risk murder, abduction in fight for land rights

Al Jazeera — Community rights activist Eakachai Itsaratha recalls his brush with death after being abducted in southern Thailand. Bangkok, Thailand - As an outspoken community rights activist in a country with one of the worst records of enforced disappearances in the region, Eakachai Itsaratha long understood that one day he too would become a target.

Why 'peace is possible' in Thailand's deep south conflict

Why 'peace is possible' in Thailand's deep south conflict

The New Humanitarian — PATTANI, Thailand Thailand's deep south conflict has disrupted lives and divided communities for the last 16 years. But a generation of young people, who have come of age amid the violence, hope peace is on the horizon.

Why Rohingya women and girls are risking dangerous smuggling routes

Why Rohingya women and girls are risking dangerous smuggling routes

The New Humanitarian — KUALA LUMPUR Facing years of deprivation and bleak future prospects, a growing number of Rohingya women and children are using once-dormant smuggling routes to escape refugee and displacement camps in Bangladesh and Myanmar, rights groups say. Over the last two years, regional authorities have intercepted hundreds of Rohingya risking dangerous boat and overland journeys to leave Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Life in the shadows: Thailand's urban refugees

Life in the shadows: Thailand's urban refugees

thenewhumanitarian.org — Lubna*, a Pakistani Christian, says religious persecution forced her to flee her native country. But as an asylum seeker with no legal status in Thailand, she now lives in constant fear of arrest. The 35-year-old mother of two small boys left Pakistan more than four years ago, hoping to find safety in the sprawling Thai capital, Bangkok.

The vanishing of Siam Theerawut - Southeast Asia Globe

The vanishing of Siam Theerawut - Southeast Asia Globe

Southeast Asia Globe — Five months have passed since Siam Theerawut's mother heard that her son had disappeared. Speaking from her home in Bangkok, she tried to hide the pain written on her face. Her daughter, Ink, 32, sat by her side looking down at her hands as we talked. They still have hope that he's alive.

Meet the Hero Thai Activist at the Forefront of Historic Pro-Democracy Protests

Meet the Hero Thai Activist at the Forefront of Historic Pro-Democracy Protests

VICE — Inside his prison cell, the 24-year-old stared up at the ceiling from a mat on the concrete floor. His thoughts wandered back to the spirited pro-democracy movement he joined in July. He thought about how long he would be kept away from his family and friends. But above all, he was worried about the thousands of young Thais who would keep protesting without him.