The Coconuts Podcast

The last episode of the year does not disappoint with this week's stories true to the WTF brand: notably allegations of security personnel sticking fingers in festival goers' bras and grabbing crotches at the recent 808 Festival in Bangkok. Coconuts Bangkok Nicky Tanskul (who was also there at the EDM fest) sheds light on the account of a female attendee who came with receipts. We also reminisce on the year that was through highlights on the podcast. Tune in! Other stories include: Thumbs down: East Nusa Tenggara man finds human finger in his plate of sayur lodeh | Search or assault? Thai security grab crotches, stick fingers under bras at ‘808 Festival' | Blitar Mayor and wife bound, gagged, and robbed at their residence: Police | Activists call on Malaysian government to assist Rohingya refugees stranded at sea | Filipino actress Dolly de Leon gets Golden Globes nod for ‘Triangle of Sadness' | Best spots in Singapore to soak up the Christmas vibes WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

The Indonesian parliament quietly passed a bill to revise its colonial-era penal code, with much of the media attention turned to all but one provision: outlawing sex between non-spouses. Coconuts Regional Managing Editor Andra Nasrie gives us the lowdown on what that's really about, and why people ought to pay attention to other parts of the bill aside from policing sexy time. Tune in! Other stories include: RKUHP: Indonesia's proposed new criminal code has a conservative slant, but should we be worried? | Former Malaysian PM denies stealing RM600 billion | Woman from the Philippines raped by American man in Canggu while her friend held her down: Police | 2 meteor showers will light up the Philippines' night sky in December | Hail Satan? Church-burning Norwegian black metal band coming to Bangkok | COCO CRINGE: Singapore minister puts out anti-scam advisory through TikTok dance WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

The LGBTQ+ community in Singapore is celebrating a hollow victory after a bill was passed repealing a law that criminalized sex between two men, while another was passed to ensure that the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman is protected. Coconuts Singapore's Delfina Utomo gives us the lowdown on the reaction in the Little Red Dot, and how even the smallest steps for LGBTQ+ rights should be celebrated in the largely conservative country. Tune in! Other stories include: New Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim refuses to use his office's official Mercedes S600 | Gov't eyes flying cars for Indonesia's future capital city Nusantara | Riding BTS will be more expensive starting Jan. 1 | They're building a shortcut in Canggu (but not the one you're probably thinking of) | INTERVIEW: ‘I was told that I would never see my family again' | Dear ‘Underage' producers, it's 2022. Can we please stop sexualizing minors? WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Staying true to the WTF spirit of this podcast is the outcome of the recent Malaysian election where Barisan Nasional, the right-wing alliance headed by the once-undefeatable Umno party, lost big. With no parties dominating seats in the Malaysian parliament, the country's government hangs in the balance — and Coconuts KL's Aminah Farid joins us to shed light on yet another political shitshow in Southeast Asia. Tune in! Other stories include: Cianjur earthquake: Governor confirms 162 killed, mostly children | Senior officials insist cannabis won't be recriminalized | ‘My clothing doesn't define me': Aussie beauty influencer Kelsey Foster on staying positive amid criticism over Bali orphanage visit | Leni Robredo recreates ‘Crash Landing on You' scenes in recent trip to Zurich | Englishman In Singapore: Sting to perform at The Star Theatre in March | Fossil fraud: T-rex skeleton pulled from HK auction after paleontologist raises doubts about its authenticity WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

We're not necessarily against culinary reinventions of our beloved national dishes, but when an LA-based sandwich shop put Singapore's beloved Hainanese chicken rice between two pieces of bread, we had our doubts. But this week's guest to WTF, Regional Managing Editor Delfina Utomo, argues that there's some sense in the reinvention, as long as one is open minded enough to try. Tune in! Other stories include: Watch: Elon Musk's bizarre, virtual interview by candlelight at the B20 Summit in Bali | Embarrassingly error-filled APEC welcome sign fixed | Batik Air sorry for misplacing the president's son's luggage | 1MDB: Malaysia court rejects government request to forfeit designer handbags and jewellery seized from Najib and Rosmah | ‘First world prices with third world wages': Filipinos compare grocery prices between Singapore and Manila WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Thousands of Thais have fallen victim to traffickers who forced them to commit cyber crimes against their compatriots under threat of violence. While such scams have been widely documented, few have followed up on victims after they were rescued and repatriated. Coconuts Bangkok's Milk talks to us about her three-part story on how Thai trafficking victims' nightmare continues with prosecution back home. Tune in! Other stories include: More than 550 doctors fired by Myanmar junta for refusing to work in protest | Babysitter braves Kampung Baru blaze with baby in arms | ‘Kebaya Merah' and the hardcore risks adult content creators in Indonesia are willing to take | CNB chimes in on Aaron Carter's death, uses his drug abuse to give anti-drug PSA | Immigration pursuing unruly foreigners after MotoGP wannabe does street burnout in Bali | Inmates now using drones to sneak in contraband, jail bureau claims WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Twenty people were arrested for allegedly inciting vice and cross-dressing in Kuala Lumpur during a Halloween party, of all things. This may come as a shock to those who see KL as a relatively progressive city, but Coconuts KL's Aminah Farid explains that religion has long been used to justify persecution towards the LGBTQ+ community. Ominously, things may continue to get worse as elections loom in Malaysia. Tune in! Other stories include: One Thai killed in Seoul Halloween stampede: embassy | Richard Branson declines offer to live TV debate on the death penalty, urges Singapore to challenge local activists instead | 1.8 tons of liquid meth disguised as coconut water intercepted by HK Customs in city's biggest meth bust ever | Travelers to Australia, declare your rendang or face huge fine and deportation | Authorities defend removal of ads – including for ‘babi guling' – ahead of G20 Summit | Family remembers late patriarch by painting his tomb like Jollibee WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

A storefront with the sign “SEX SHOP” in neon pink normally leaves little to the imagination, but in Bangkok, it's a provocative gallery dedicated to artworks that destigmatize sex and kinks while promoting overall sexual health. Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul gives us the lowdown on just what to expect in this sex-filled quarters in Phloen Chit, and the kind of pieces open-minded purveyors can acquire. Tune in! Other stories include: Military jets bomb concert in northern Myanmar, killing at least 50 | Human Rights Watch calls on Malaysia to halt deportations of Myanmar refugees due to risk of arrest back home | Mask off! Marcos Jr to sign executive order making indoor mask-wearing ‘voluntary' | Indonesia officially launches second-home visa, allowing holders 10-year stay (including in Bali) | Singapore challenges billionaire Richard Branson to live TV debate on the death penalty | How yoga pants became an object of controversy and defiance in Hong Kong | With a heavy dose of kink, Bangkok clinic-cum-gallery prescribes better sexual health | Can we, once and for all, stop referring to the Indonesian language as ‘bahasa'? WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

The 2002 Bali bombings were one of the deadliest terror attacks the region has ever seen, claiming the lives of 202 people. Twenty years on, the pain from the tragedy persists, and things got downright triggering when graphic footage from the attacks was shown to survivors and mourners who attended a memorial service in Kuta. We speak to Coconuts Bali Managing Editor Amahl to understand how that could have happened, and whether or not people were held responsible. Tune in! Other stories include: Journalists go into hiding after threats by Myanmar's military junta | Primary school teacher threatened with dismissal letter for voicing out against school syllabus | Hong Kong civil servant arrested for releasing revenge porn of girlfriend who allegedly strayed | Dog saliva or alcohol? What really triggered the Turkish Airlines passenger on that diverted flight? | Redditors sharing Pinoys' weirdest flexes expose toxic cracks in Filipino culture | High honors: Bangkok dispensary to hold ‘Cannabis Cup' | Get Rex'd: Singapore set to welcome a giant T-Rex – but only for 3 days WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Tragedy after tragedy in Southeast Asia — this time, the worst massacre Thailand has seen after 36 were killed in a mass shooting. But perhaps none as tragic as this cop — who managed to chuckle while giving a press briefing on the matter. Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul returns to the podcast seat to shed light on this bizarre reaction, and why the erring officer got sacked. Tune in! Other stories include: Malaysia dissolves parliament to make way for 15th general election | 5 killed, dozens evacuated as floods inundate parts of Bali | Senior cop who laughed during massacre interview loses PR post | Police officer from anti-drug unit arrested in connection with seizure of nearly 1 ton of meth | Debate over whether seats should be given up for children sparks altercation on MTR, delay on East Rail line (Videos) | Singapore ministers don't get special treatment, not even for ‘Hokkien Mee' | Beware the Potato House: 5 haunted places in Jakarta & the horror movies they inspired WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

It has been an especially somber week in the region, with the tone set by the terrifying incident at Kanjuruhan Stadium in Indonesia, where at least 131 soccer fans died in a stampede. Regional Managing Editor and WTF host Andra Nasrie takes us through what we know so far about the devastating tragedy while offering theories as to who to blame (spoiler: it's not the spectators). Tune in! Other stories include: Netizens call for justice over slain broadcaster as #JusticeForPercyLapid trends | Junta sentences Australian economist Sean Turnell to 3 years in prison | ‘Jealous' Bangkok man cuts up woman, to internet's grim fascination | Lost at sea: Indonesian fisherman found clinging to plastic barrel | Primary school allegedly conducts ‘mock prison' experience to teach students importance of abiding the law | Sneak Beak: The new Bird Paradise will open in the second quarter of 2023 | Indonesian coaches rising up in Bali's foreigner-dominated fitness scene WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

While Dota 2 is a game beloved by all ages, you should probably keep the young'uns away from the Southeast Asia server – a cesspool of cuss words from across the region. It got so bad that Japanese gamer and Twitch streamer Xiinya collected all of these into a banging tune. Coconuts Regional Managing Editor Delfina Utomo hops onboard to talk to us exactly which countries were represented with their colorful language, and why this has sparked a bizarre sense of patriotism among the region's players. Tune in! Other stories include: 5 rescuers in Bulacan killed during typhoon ‘Karding' flash flood | Oh Noru! Typhoon about to hit storm-battered Bangkok | Government mascot apologizes for insensitive post about near-escape of transgender woman from police | Sweet tax: Indonesia mulls excise on sugary drinks | Japanese gamer turns Singapore cuss words into a song, now on Spotify | Angry dad in your area: Man allegedly burns daughter's precious K-pop merchandise, gets trashed by Internet | New Canggu eatery Inklusiv Warung, with its Deaf wait staff, is about more than just great food WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Muslims saying “rest in peace, Queen Elizabeth” is apparently a big no-no, according to a Malaysian Islamic jurist who this week warned against asking God for “forgiveness” for deceased non-Muslims. Coconuts KL reporter Aminah Farid came on this week's episode to explain that while not every Muslim in the country is that narrow-minded about their faith, attempts to otherize non-Muslims remain alarmingly common. Tune in! Other stories include: #NeverForget, #NeverAgain trend on Twitter as Filipinos mark 50th anniversary of martial law | No Thai royals at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral | Indonesian TikTok user does blackface to mock ‘The Little Mermaid' remake | 2 women get locked in scissor leg-style takedown in Hong Kong amid claims of infidelity | Can you not? Foreign woman sitting on car window draws ire from Bali netizens | Singapore ‘boomer' boss flamed for dismissing intern who requested for virtual interview WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

That old kidney for iPhone joke again + more top stories | WTF SEA + HK | September 15, 2022 For pioneers in the legalization of weed in Asia, Thailand sure can't take a joke. Just take a look at the Thai Red Cross, who had to warn citizens the obvious: don't sell your kidney in exchange for the latest iPhone 14, after a photo of individuals (who aren't even Thai) showing off their fake post-surgery bandages went viral. We checked in with Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul and asked him if he would ever consider bartering his organ for the latest premium device. Tune in! Other stories include: ‘Increasing evidence of crimes against humanity and war crimes' in Myanmar: UN investigator | Arrivals from mainland China exempted from vax requirements due to their low Covid-19 risk: Hong Kong's leader | 2 sergeants latest to be dishonorably discharged, jailed by military for gay sex | Keep off the grass: Malaysians warned not to do drugs abroad or face repercussions at home | Police investigate viral car sex video featuring couple in traditional Balinese clothes | Puppy patiently waits in line for free porridge | TikTok girl thirsts over Singapore army boys, manifests through reiki – it worked WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

How dare Joseph Schooling smoke pot… was the reaction we thought Singaporeans would make when their Olympic hero admitted to cannabis use during a moment of weakness. Instead, the nation has been supportive of the athlete. Coconuts Regional Managing Editor Delfina Utomo makes her maiden WTF SEA + HK splash as we dive deep into the controversy. We also discuss a Singaporean law forbidding citizens from drug use abroad. Tune in! Other stories include: Najib Razak admitted to hospital after less than two weeks in prison | ‘Feels like home': PH President Bongbong Marcos in Jakarta for maiden overseas trip | 31 Hong Kong men fall victim to mainland China naked-chat blackmailing, with one losing as much as HK$220,000 | Buckle up in the back, Bangkok. It's now the law. | 3 dolphins – 1 wearing dental crowns – released into the ocean by Bali sanctuary | Couple with 42-year age gap gain fans, brush off haters on TikTok WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Rodrigo Ventosilla touched down in Bali in early August for a honeymoon with his new husband Sebastian Marallano. The Peruvian couple's trip immediately turned into a nightmare when police arrested Rodrigo after finding cannabis-derived products in his luggage. Rodrigo soon died in police custody, prompting his family to accuse Bali authorities of arbitrarily detaining him on the grounds of transphobia and racial discrimination. Coconuts Bali's Amahl Azwar has been relentlessly pursuing this story for weeks in order to get to the truth. We caught up with him in this week's podcast to get an update and his insights into this major case. Tune in! Other stories include: DepEd launches probe into sexual harassment allegations against 6 high school teachers in Cavite | 16-year-old dies in toilet fire after prank goes horribly wrong | West Java vice governor promotes polygamy, early marriage as solutions to stop HIV spread | Hong Kong property agent's towel-clad apartment ad causes controversy | This cranky and sarcastic Singaporean just wants you to flush the toilet | ‘Cookies' delays Bangkok store, drops plan to import weed WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

After years of delaying serving his corruption sentence with appeals, former Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is finally going to prison after some major courtroom drama. Coconuts KL reporter Aminah Farid, who was on location during the verdict, takes us on a play-by-play of the historic event, while trying to grasp how Najib's supporters still anguished despite the former leader stealing billions from the country. Tune in! Other stories include: Singapore's gay sex law to be repealed: PM Lee, LGBT groups ‘relieved' | 3 more Hongkongers reported as victims of Southeast Asian human trafficking job scams: city's No. 2 security official | Burning issue: Weed to remain legal, easily available under Thailand's Cannabis Act | People are pissed over LTO's request that students not ‘go to school too early' | Own an iPhone? Make some extra bucks selling screenshots to clout-chasing Indonesians | Sex and the Monkeys: Scientists discover that, just like some of us hoomans, Ubud's macaques also use ‘sex toys' WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

In Singapore, middle-aged men airing their anti-LGBT sentiments is nothing new — but when they come up with an 82-page manifesto, it's bound to garner some attention. Coconuts Singapore's Carolyn Teo comes onboard to shed light on the opposition behind the repeal of the controversial Section 377A in the city-state's penal code, and the nasty and tired clichés this group has leaned on. Also, Coconuts KL's Aminah Farid is in the co-host seat as Andra pillow fights his way through Indonesian Independence Day. Tune in! Other stories include: Singapore's anti-LGBT summit organizers pack manifesto with culture war cliches | Najib begins final appeal to overturn 1MDB-linked conviction | Kuta hotel room, thought to be online gambling HQ, deserted ahead of police raid | Bacteria levels of 6 masks sold in Hong Kong exceed EU standards: Consumer Council | Woman lawyers up after she was caught stealing chocolate bars from convenience store | Thai teens get stupid on date rape drug for TikTok laughs (Videos) | Jollibee Chickenjoy named the best fast-food fried chicken in the US WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

We here try not to take the words of someone who is basically Australia's Donald Trump seriously. But when far-right politician Pauline Hanson called for a border closure to Bali (which she referred to as a country, by the way) amid foot-and-mouth disease concerns because apparently there's cattle shit everywhere, this was too hard to ignore. Coconuts Bali Managing Editor Amahl Azwar came on this week's episode to debunk Hanson's claims, while telling us what the cattle poop situation really is like in Bali. Tune in! Other stories include: Police general Ferdy Sambo faces death penalty for ordering bodyguard's murder | Hong Kong to cut Covid-19 quarantine for arrivals to 3 days starting Aug 12 | Women, fight! Historic bouts KO ban at Thailand's oldest Muay Thai stadium (Photos) | Over his head? Senator Robin Padilla roasted over suggestion that cable cars can solve Metro Manila's traffic woes | Geylang Fury Road: Boiling woman nearly run over by frenzied fellow (Video) | Over one-third of Malaysian youths believe using two condoms is safer than one: survey WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Chicken shortages are never fun, but after months of short supply, Malaysia now apparently has an oversupply of poultry in the country. This chicken crisis is making us go ‘What the bok?' so Coconuts KL reporter Aminah Farid joins us to shed some light on the situation. Tune in! Other stories include: Yahoo!, Steam, PayPal now accessible in Indonesia as IT Ministry feels the heat | Hong Kong gov't advisors recommend Covid-19 vaccines for children as young as six months old | 2 killed after U-turn bridge on Rama II Road collapses | Carmelite nuns slam Maid in Malacañang movie for ‘malicious' depiction of them playing mahjong at height of 1986 revolution | Macca-scuse me? Australian fined AUD2,664 over undeclared McMuffins bought in Bali | Tiesto and Zedd to headline ZoukOut Singapore in December WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Nazeri Bin Lajim, who was convicted of trafficking heroin more than a decade ago, was hanged last Friday as Singapore continues to enforce its strict death penalty regime. This week, we caught up with Coconuts Singapore's Carolyn Teo, who sat down with Nazeri's sister prior to his execution for a deeply heart wrenching feature story. Coconuts Bangkok's Pasavat “Nicky” Tanskul is in the co-host chair in Sam's stead this week, and he gave the lowdown on fresh confusion surrounding Thailand's budding legal cannabis scene after a new government order instructed police to arrest anyone selling weed without “permission.” Tune in! Other stories include: Citayam Fashion Week: Social Agency ‘ready' to round up trans women, crossdressing men | Ravichandran becomes first Malaysian to conquer K2 mountain, despite disability | Going at the red light: Foreigner on motorbike filmed urinating at Sanur intersection | The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is closed for now — but will reopen with new art spaces in BGC | Hong Kong restaurant's ingenious takeaway BBQ bento with built-in grill garners raves from Japan WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Last week's “Red War” in Bangkok saw Manchester United trounce Liverpool to the delight of Thailand's football-obsessed population (except Liverpool fans, of course). In a display of an entirely different form of obsession, a woman was arrested for allegedly stealing over a dozen chairs and other merchandise after the match. Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul joins us this week to figure out her motive behind this unusual theft. Tune in! Other stories include: Rizieq Shihab released on parole after serving reduced sentence | Is Tropical Hut opening in BGC? | Deep concerns over restaurant built inside a cave in Bali | Add oil An An: Hong Kong's 35yo panda reportedly ‘in poor appetite' and ‘out of spirits' | Hwa Chong Institution suspends teacher for promoting anti-LGBT falsehoods WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

No, your eyes aren't deceiving you! For listeners old and new, The Coconuts Podcast is now WTF is Up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong, where we bring you the Coconuttiest trending news and pop culture stories from across the region. It's pretty much the same podcast you know and love, but in a format better dedicated to the stories you want and need to hear. Tune in (and let us know how you feel about it!). Other stories include: Woman rages and rips license plate off of car on Tuas Second Link, police investigating | Women and men to be segregated on angkot minivans following sexual harassment incident | Special delivery: Cambodia to extradite dozens of scam suspects to Thailand | Fractured inheritance: Man in Bali broke his penis while engaging in cowgirl position | Man in Hong Kong apparently falls to tragic death while trying to retrieve AirPods that fell out of window | Frowning not allowed: Town mayor orders all government employees to smile while serving the public WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. WTF is up in Southeast Asia + Hong Kong is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Yep, this week's podcast episode did indeed land on a Thursday instead of the usual Friday. That's just one of the changes we have made to The Coconuts Podcast, the other notable transformation being reformatting the episodes to make them shorter and more digestible for all our listeners. That said, even more changes are afoot as we strive to make this podcast your go-to source of information on all things Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. We would appreciate your feedback on our new direction, so please leave your reviews on whichever platform you're playing this from, or drop us a line at info@coconuts.co. For now, tune in! Other stories include: ​​Brazilian student apprehended at Bali airport for bringing marijuana from Thailand | BTS warns Bangkok commuters to stop booty-clenching the pole | 13yo arrested for breaking into McDonald's dessert kiosk to shoplift HK$10 worth of ice cream | Booster shots to be required for travel, mall entry amid rising COVID-19 cases | Senator Imee Marcos defends mother Imelda's 93rd birthday party in Malacañang, calling it a ‘simple get-together' | Masked woman goes Michael Myers on streaming Singapore couple (Video) The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

In case you've been living under a rock, you should know that Thailand all but legalized marijuana earlier this month. This week, we milked Coconuts Bangkok's Milk of all her knowledge and experience with MJ since the decriminalization, who shed some legal clarity and provided some dos and don'ts of marijuana use in Thailand. This episode is highly recommended for anyone thinking of going to Thailand for marijuana tourism. Tune in! Other stories include: ​​Holywings pledges to pay staff's wages this month as Jakarta outlets shut | Who got served? Jollibee and Nando's mascots engage in fast food dance battle in Malaysia | Julia Roberts ‘returns' to Bali in an upcoming rom-com with George Clooney shot in Australia | Video of 6-year-old kicking infant in Tin Shui Wai sports center draws outrage | Yikes: Singapore police officer allegedly caught posing inappropriately beside dead body | Asoke Mexican joint now slings marijuana alongside tacos The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Sam's nasty sexual musings about chocolate notwithstanding, this week's podcast delivers some very important messages regarding food sustainability and the environment. Most, if not all, of the credit goes to our guest National Geographic Young Explorer and The Cacao Project founder Louise Mabulo, who is promoting her upcoming episode in the excellent podcast series Expedition: Earth. Tune in!Also, do visit this link to tune into Louise's Expedition: Earth episode titled Expedition: Hope that premieres on Friday, July 8 at 5pm SGT / 4pm BKT/JKT.Other stories include:Singapore reports first monkeypox infection, 13 quarantined | Large fire devastating homes just off Bangkok's Rama IV Road | AQI: It's getting harder and harder to breathe in Jakarta | Carcass of baby Chinese white dolphin stranded in Discovery Bay, 14th such case this year | Good Doggo: Tabanan gas canister theft attempt thwarted by barking dog | After going viral, Tropical Hut is selling out across Manila — and is now hiring new staff to keep up with the demandThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

On this week's Fresh Tunes Friday, the spotlight is on Singaporean DJ and producer Myrne who joins us on The Coconuts Podcast to talk about his latest EP, Circles. He talks to us about producing music in lockdown, his experience playing in Tomorrowland, and why the ‘10s is the coolest music era. Tune in!Other stories include:Disney's ‘Lightyear' smacked with NC16 rating: IMDA | Full marriage equality bill gets surprise nod from Thai Parliament | Quietly Proud: LGBTQIA+ Indonesians in Bali celebrate Pride Month solemnly amid rising backlash | Hong Kong woman scorches forehead while drinking Flaming Lamborghini | Alleged pedophile dies following assault and being forced to masturbate using hot balm in jail | Creepy intruder lurking by condo window turns out to be standee of BTS' JinThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

This week, we caught up with Coconuts Hong Kong reporter Peace Chiu to discuss her latest feature story centering on a sexually abused woman who failed to get the help she needed due to taboos surrounding sex among Christian Hongkongers. Peace sheds the light on how conservative viewpoints are hurting victims, and how some are working to turn the tide. Tune in!Other stories include:Thailand lights up as marijuana goes legal today (Photos) | Apparently, the ‘first exorcism center in Asia' will be built in the Philippines | Is Indonesia ready for hookup culture? | Clip of duo having sex on balcony goes viral, woman arrested and released on bail | No concrete plans yet for Bali digital nomad visa, official says | No, a pregnant officer was not forced to work: Singapore policeThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Boys' love dramas, while hugely popular in Asia, have mostly found an audience in heterosexual females. Sean Foo, the founder of leading LGBT+ publication Dear Straight People, wanted to break from that mold. This week, he chats with us about creating, producing and starring in the new web series Getaway, and why it's no ordinary boys' love drama. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Should you put potatoes in your adobo? The internet weighs in | Miyabi (AKA Maria Ozawa) apologizes to Indonesian fans for canceling her visit, says she misses Bali in particular | Kitchen of Jumbo Floating Restaurant sinks after announcement about exit from Hong Kong | A cat's tale: Indonesia's feline celebrity Pororo comes home after going missing | Monkeypox! Thailand quarantines 12 on flight with infected passenger | Dee Kosh pleads guilty to offering boys money for sex acts | Insecurity spreads as crime ravages YangonThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Changemaker and NatGeo Asia's Expedition: Earth star Melati Wijsen, who co-founded Bye Bye Plastics and YOUTHTOPIA, graces us with her presence on the Coconuts Podcast as she talks to us about founding a social initiative at 12, inspiring other youths across the globe, and why one is never too young to start making a difference. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:No more ‘melukat' purification ritual for Instagram content: PHDI | Writers, reporters get discounts at Soi 33's ‘Propaganda Bar' | Uh-oh! Toy store accused of ‘setting trap' for boy who knocked over HK$33,600 Teletubby statue | New regulations say Indonesians must have at least 2 names ⁠— and they can't be weird | Taco shop in Makati pushes back on criticism its prices are too high in heartfelt post | Singapore's Dear Straight People drops gay drama set in Bangkok | Burmese OnlyFans star barred from traveling to Bangkok: sourceThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Indonesian celebrity preacher Abdul Somad can either be charismatic or controversial, depending on who you ask. But Singapore is apparently not a fan of his colorful preachings that they denied him and his party entry into the Little Red Dot, reportedly due to his “extremist and segregationist teachings,” an affront to the city-state's multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Was the reaction a bit extreme or warranted? Coconuts Singapore's Carolyn Teo weighs in. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Consumer Council finds traces of banned veterinary drug by-product in 3 sausage brands, prohibited fragrances in 4 hair mask models | Puppy ‘charged' with getting lost by Lumphini cops | Vegetable seller beats powerful political family to become town's mayor in the Philippines | Feel free to take off your mask outdoors: President Jokowi | Scorching weather, sweating Singapore to continue | Ubud chef returns home after being scammed and left in limbo for days in SingaporeThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Things are looking grim for democracy in the Philippines. The specter of the Marcos dictatorship that had loomed over the past few decades has birthed, barring any last-minute surprises, the country's next president. How did Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. win by an unprecedented landslide? Did his challengers ever stand a chance? We spoke to political scientist Cleve Arguelles to make sense of the Filipino presidential election, and what a Bongbong presidency means for the country. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Protesters storm election commission office amid impending Marcos win over reports of irregularities at polls | Royal Thai Army bans Lazada deliveries over royal offense | Two Yangon journalists in legal limbo after 9 months in Insein Prison | Singapore's national COVID tracking may return: minister | Podcaster Deddy Corbuzier down nearly 9 million followers on Instagram following gay couple interview backlash | Aussie model and marriage equality campaigner Ryan Channing dies in Bali | Scalpers jack up Mirror concert tickets to as high as HK$438,102The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Did you know that we consume a credit card's worth of plastic each week? Or that we can easily save thousands of bottles by just carrying a water tumbler? There's a lot of chatter about plastic pollution, and people can't even seem to agree on the best way to reduce plastic! So we spoke to Filipina actress, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Environment Programme, and The Podcast of Plastic host Antoinette Taus as she sheds light on the plastic waste problem in Asia-Pacific. Tune in!Other stories include:Russian ‘yogi' apologizes for posing naked on sacred Balinese tree, turns herself over to police | Shake Shack coming to Bangkok | Beaches & pools to reopen in Hong Kong on May 5, bars & karaoke lounges can open from May 19 | KPK nabs Bogor Regent Ade Yasin over bribery suspicion | Despite risk of expulsion, Iglesia ni Cristo members openly defy church leaders' endorsement of Bongbong Marcos-Sara Duterte tandem | Singapore publisher to recall Chinese books with pentagram | NUG's nuts cradled by ‘ball lifter' exile media: Tat spoxThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Tragic news out of Singapore this week, as the state executed a mentally impaired Malaysian man despite multiple appeals and public protests. Singapore has resumed executing prisoners on death row after a two-year pause due to the pandemic, and we spoke with activist Kokila Annamalai who shared with us the struggles and the race against time to save them and uphold basic human rights. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Singapore executes ‘low IQ' prisoner despite desperate appeals | Bangkok cops fail to arrest ‘royalists' who beat reporter | Tropical cyclone may form over South China Sea this weekend: HKO | Power to the People: Citizens, not officials, raise Robredo's and Pangilinan's hands | Major stonks for Mayora after Kopiko makes appearance at Elon Musk-Luhut Pandjaitan meeting | Aung San Suu Kyi convicted of corruption by junta court, gets 5 more years | ‘Fearless child of God' faces deportation over butt-naked dance on Bali's Mount Batur: officialsThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

This week on the Coconuts Podcast, we spoke to Perth-based journalist Kevin Ng, who wrote a gripping report on tailing the activities of a network of online sexual abusers targeting Chinese-Indonesian women. Just how many of these creeps are there? Are online platforms doing enough? Tune in to find out more.[Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:At Coachella, teen rapper Milli feeds Thai pride with a bowl of mango sticky rice (Video) | HK actress embroiled in blackface controversy apologizes for ‘insensitive' portrayal of Filipina domestic worker | Singapore church defends singing Christian on flight | Filipinos flood Twitter with ‘Leni Withdraw' memes after lagging candidates gang up on Robredo | Bali officials deny reports regarding plan to increase visa on arrival fees | Suu Kyi lawyer dismisses talk of ‘dialogue' with junta | Man who miraculously survived his car colliding with KRL Commuterline train may face legal consequencesThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

We're back with Fresh Tunes Friday this week, and in the virtual guest chair was Serbian pop artist/fashion designer Didi J, who recently dropped her new single ‘Murcielago' (yes, named after the supercar). She talks to us about what it was like collaborating with Iggy Azalea for the track, her previous collaborations with other global pop superstars like Shaggy, as well as her plans for world domination (and the hard work necessary to achieve it). Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Kinder recall widens as salmonella scare spreads in Singapore | Bangkok's biggest ‘420' fest delayed until cannabis no longer criminal in June | Epidemic of sexual harassment on Indonesian campuses continues due to culture of impunity | Owners face up to HK$10,000 fine and 6 months in jail if they refuse to surrender pet for disease control | Bali prison inmate ordered crystal meth hidden in milk via bike taxi app | In Japan, Filipinos close down the famous Shibuya Crossing to march for Leni-Kiko | Guard killed in attack on junta leader's compoundThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Hong Kong's divisive leader Carrie Lam made headlines when she announced that she was no longer seeking a second term. We wanted to know what that was all about, so Coconuts Hong Kong's Peace Chiu hopped on to give us the lowdown on Hong Kong's political landscape.We've also got Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul (sans croc head) bringing his own fresh energy to the podcast while Andra sips from coconuts away in paradise. Tune in!Other stories include:Who killed the Berawa beach dogs? | Police find woman caught red-handed stealing tourist's necklace near Asoke (Video) | Fined for watching too much porn? Cybersecurity watchdog warns about intricate phishing scam | Indonesian director Joko Anwar to make his Hollywood debut through ‘Fritzchen' | Jollibee is opening its first Aussie branch in Sydney | 400+ rally against death penalty after Singapore executes prisoner | Junta sentenced 24 Yangon youths to death last month – including two boysThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

The Coconuts Podcast has had the honor to talk to Singapore's most cherished activist icons, Constance Singam, as she shares stories of her work that has turned tides in Singapore, the country's evolving civil rights movement, and why her re-issued memoir is a must-read for today's young Singaporeans. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:A woman scorned: Wife sells cheating husband's items on Facebook live | Male performer in OnlyFans star's videos may be charged: police | Man gets punched and kicked over 30 times in Mong Kok, bystanders just look on | Buleleng police officer went full monty at traffic stop | Thailand will not lift ban on vaping, citing health threat | Booze ban lifted, masks optional as Omicron subsides: PM Lee | ASSK quarantined after associates contract COVID-19: reportThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

We've all read news reports and seen the images of the horrors that have unfolded in Ukraine. But few know what it's like to cope with the constant fear of imminent death that comes with living in a war zone like Filipina travel blogger Krysten Boado, who has elected to stay with her loved ones in Ukraine. Amid the endless doom, Krysten also shared with us about the things that instill hope and keep her going. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:The quirks of Mandalika GP: Rain shaman, litter dominate post-race discussions | No, an American reporter did not interview Prayuth | Foreign domestic worker YouTuber draws fans with humorous, spot-on videos about struggles of working in Hong Kong | Baby dies in utero after pregnant woman ‘left unattended' at NUH: husband | ‘They don't need to feel sad': Indonesian woman smiles from ear-to-ear after slitting her children's throats | Ariana Grande shares clips of 137k-strong Pinoys singing ‘Break Free' at Leni-Kiko Pasig rally | Singapore's ‘Rave Republic' cancels Naypyidaw show over human rights abusesThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

It's another Fresh Tunes Friday! We're talking to newly signed Universal Music Singapore's YAØ, who's gotten us into the groove with his newest single “Lose Face.” The artist dishes on his take about the Asian concept of “losing face,” his retro musical influences, and other tidbits like whose album he would save in a fire. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:Hong Kong Police tell British activist to take down website for breaching national security law or face jail time | Singapore ‘samurai' arrested after attacking man and cars with sword (Videos)| Skeletal remains of Spanish man found in dilapidated Nusa Dua house | Fantastic name of Myanmar junta's Sinopharm clone is revealed | Nusantara won't be built in a day. Try 15-20 years, Jokowi says | Philippines' beloved Shakey's — and its thin-crust pizza — has finally opened in Singapore | Will Lisa Blackpink face the same Thai charges for promoting alcohol? Very Unlikely.The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

The impact of Russia's invasion on Ukraine goes beyond the needless devastation and suffering in Eastern Europe. This week, we had the honor of welcoming His Excellency Vasyl Hamianin, Ukraine's ambassador to Indonesia, for his perspective on the invasion and how Ukrainians in the archipelago country and throughout the region are affected. Tune in!NOTE: Due to scheduling constraints, we will only be able to upload Mr Hamianin's interview around noon SGT on Friday, March 11, 2022. Please refresh your podcast player by that time to access the updated version of the episode when it becomes available.[Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:PH finally raises age of sexual consent from 12 to 16 | Myanmar junta leader sick in his mansion with COVID-19: report | 2 COVID-19 positive children, aged 4 and 8, die in Hong Kong | Geprek Bensu smashed over Paris Fashion Week claim | Thai beauty tuber jokes about invading Ukraine to pimp products, internet isn't happy | Best buds Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire spotted ordering coconuts in Bali | Tesla-hater boldly keys car in Clementi unaware of built-in surveillance cameras (Video)The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Heads up, tourists: Bali is finally lifting its quarantine restrictions! While it's a bit of good news for those aching to visit the island, is it all that it's cracked up to be? The new policy has left some unanswered questions, so we roped in Coconuts Bali managing editor and island resident Amahl Azwar to give us the lowdown — including travel do's and don'ts, as well as the Balinese dishes that should be on top of your bucket list. Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:You can now get your booster shot 3 months after your second jab | ‘I did not join Ukraine as a Thai national, but as a human being': former airman volunteers to fight Russian invasion | ‘I wanna lick your p*ssy': Singapore woman calls out catcaller (Video) | Panic buying: Hong Kong shoppers strip supermarket shelves bare amid lockdown fears | Ogoh-ogoh returns ahead of Nyepi tomorrow with COVID-themed effigies | ‘It's here, bruh': Scotland's first Jollibee greeted by long lines in Edinburgh | Myanmar beefcake Paing Thakon free after 11 months in junta captivityThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

We're nerding out hard this week as we had the privilege of welcoming Filipina sociologist and political commentator Ash Presto (@sosyolohija) to The Coconuts Podcast. Join us for a lengthy and extensive talk on the upcoming Filipino elections, why the son of a dictator is polling so high, and deeper philosophical takes on leadership in the region. Also, we couldn't help but find parallels between Filipino politics and Game of Thrones (hopefully excluding the trainwreck that was Season 8). Tune in![Embed Spotify player for this episode]Other stories include:BBQ owner wins internet hearts grilling meat for blind Bangkok couple | Botched breast filler by an unlicensed practitioner caused Jakarta woman's death: police | 11-month-old girl infected with COVID-19 dies, Hong Kong's youngest fatality suspected to be caused by the virus | Naughty Officers: 2 policemen arrested for allegedly spreading young couple's public sex CCTV video | Mixed reactions to Jake Zyrus' topless photo proves we still suck at LGBTQ acceptance | Respect! Mystery man cheered for rescuing wild boar, liberating traffic (Video) | Battered Myanmar model recounts abduction from her Yangon homeThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

This Fresh Tunes Friday, get ready to say “I Love You 3000” as 88Rising artist and Indonesian pop star Stephanie Poetri joins us all the way from LA to talk about her newest single, “Picture Myself.” The 21-year-old dishes about breaking through the global music scene, life in America, and the food she misses the most from home. Tune in!Other stories include:Thai YouTuber hounded over leaked sex tape escapes to Netherlands | Singapore Airlines lands in Bali for the first time in 2 years, carrying 156 passengers | 3-year-old girl dies after testing positive, becomes Hong Kong's youngest COVID-19-related death | Indonesian trans icon Dorce Gamalama passes away at 58 | Environment authorities seize smuggled exotic ants in tubes | 19 corgis and Shiba Inu rescued from illegal breeding couple: AVSThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

What is the big deal about two blokes kissing? Well, it depends from where you're seeing it. In Singapore, there's a bit of fuss surrounding two men who smooched in the background of a live report aired by Channel News Asia for the Beijing Winter Olympics. The incident has once again sparked discussions on LGBTQ+ rights in the Little Red Dot, the laws that are shackling full-on expression, and how Singaporean society views the marginalized community. Joining us to shed light on this complicated issue is Coconuts Singapore's own Carolyn Teo. Tune in!Other stories include:Actually a barbershop, not a brothel, Thai salon admits (Photos) | Bali now under Level 3 PPKM as Omicron continues spread | New COVID-19 cases pass 1,000-mark for the first time as Hong Kong reports first deaths in 5 months | 6 years later, crocodile in Indonesia finally free from tire ‘necklace' | After controversial hosting stint at BBM-Sara campaign kickoff, Toni Gonzaga bids goodbye to ‘Pinoy Big Brother' | ‘Whack your motherf***ing face': Singapore patient goes off on nurse (Video)The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Croc meat krapow? What the croc? Bangkok is apparently experiencing a “pork-flation”, and food hawkers and foodies are putting this reptile meat in demand. Coconuts Bangkok's Nicky Tanskul gives us the lowdown on devouring this (arguably) cute creature, what it tastes like, where first-timers should give it a go, and whether it's better than chicken. Tune in!Other stories include:Thai YouTuber faces prosecution over her own leaked sex tape | iClout: Status symbol for rent in Indonesia | The #MarcosDuwag fiasco has a sequel, after Bongbong Marcos declines another presidential forum | Quarantine hotels and direct flights: Bali gears up for international tourism re-relaunch this week | New York Times on boil over its bizarro ‘Singaporean Chicken Curry'The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Gather round, potheads! Well, only those in Thailand, because it's the only country in Southeast Asia to have all but legalized recreational weed. The legality of the decriminalization is about as clear as a stoner's train of thought at this point, so we spoke at length with Coconuts Bangkok's Chayanit “Milk” Itthipongmaetee to shed light on when it would be safe to toke up in public, whether or not tourists can partake, and where to find delectable edibles like deep-fried marijuana leaves. Tune in!Other stories include:Singapore dad charged with murdering 11-year-old twin boys | 89 y.o. Jakarta man accused of car theft by motorcyclists beaten to death despite driving own vehicle | Cop kills gifted Bangkok eye doctor, testing pledges for safer roads | Faced with a deadline while on vacation, guy sends email while on a parasail | Bali may be quarantine-free travel option for Singaporeans: LuhutThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Welcome to the first edition of Fresh Tunes Friday in 2022! Singapore's Lincoln Lim hopped on, where the singer-songwriter waxed poetic about his new single, Home, the progress vs heritage debate in Singapore, and the country's music industry. We also talk about Home's music video, shot by Coconuts pal Jeremy Hu. Tune in!Other stories include:Bali woman ‘marries' dagger in place of absent groom | Sexpat blogger ‘Stickboy' abruptly pulls out of Bangkok | In a world where people share content before verifying, Indonesian tidal bore thrill-seekers find themselves the face of the Tonga tsunami | After assault on change-less GrabFood rider, Pinoys call for greater rider protection | Smart Singapore mom realizes baby's hidden potential: water shield (Video)The Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

Welcome to a brand new season of The Coconuts Podcast! We hope 2022 has brought good things to you, as they have to us in the form of new host Samantha Beltran of Coconuts Manila. Sam is joining relative veteran Andra Nasrie of Coconuts Jakarta in the never-ending quest to bring you the latest, most important, and most wondrous stories from Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.This week, we spoke with Coconuts Singapore's Carolyn Teo about a small but vocal band of anti-vaxxers in Singapore. “Anti-vaxxers in Singapore?” we hear you ask. To that we say of course, as ignorance knows no borders.We hope you enjoy this week's episode. Until next week!Other stories include:Clown desperate for a way home commits crime in Bali | 2022's worst food crime has already hit Bangkok: ramen floats | Ghozali Everyday: Indonesian man with US$1 million selfies an unlikely NFT star | This local cake shop created an exact replica of Aunt Petunia's famous cake in Harry Potter | S'pore Art Museum opens Friday with musical mushrooms, forced flirtingThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

The curtain falls on another season of The Coconuts Podcast. Hosts Nurul Azliah and Andra Nasrie take listeners through a best of episode comprising the biggest hits across all Coconuts cities in 2021, including a story about a mermaid sleeping among rubbish in Bali, a “mystery” crazy rich family buying an entire condo building in Singapore, and an aerobics routine that captures the year's craziness in Yangon.The Coconuts Podcast is taking a break this month, and we'll be back in January 2022. Thanks for listening, and until then!Other stories include:Danish man who damaged shrine in Bali set for deportation after serving prison sentence | Rainbow Power: Hundreds demand marriage equality in Bangkok (Photos) | Hong Kong breakdancer Cha Cha Kong sets sights on Olympics 2024 | Back to 2: Jakarta PPKM level upgraded amid faltering tracing | Najib Razak, Rosmah Mansor welcome new grandchild in Singapore | ‘Weak explosion' recorded on Mt. Pinatubo, Phivolcs confirms | Singapore now world's second most expensive city: Economist | Yangon mall eerily empty after guards brutalize anti-violence campaignersThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!

One might think that everybody would be happy with the return of restrictions-free concerts, yet Singaporeans are decrying alleged double standards ahead of a charity show by the island's darling golden boy JJ Lin. Coconuts Singapore's Carolyn Teo talks to us about why Singaporeans are miffed, why the public reaction may or may not be overblown, and a particular fun fact associating JJ Lin with Changi International Airport. Listen in!Other stories include:YouTuber gifts girlfriend with P1-million money bouquet on her birthday | Indonesian woman reports son to police for selling furniture, roof to fund dates with girlfriend | Michelle Yeoh to co-produce 1MDB docu-drama | Pro-democracy clothing store Chickeeduck to exit Hong Kong next year | Director accused of beating woman last night after Jam Factory event | Millions of US vaccine doses heading to Myanmar refugees in Thailand: report | International flights might only come to Bali next year: airport official | Singapore, Malaysia to reopen land borders for vaxxed travelers next weekThe Coconuts Podcast delivers impactful, weird, and wonderful reporting by our journalists on the ground in eight cities: Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Manila, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Yangon, and Bali. Listen to headline news and insightful interviews on matters large and small, designed for people located in – or curious about – Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.The Coconuts Podcast is available on Apple, Spotify, Google, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!