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Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
New WHO report highlights global loneliness epidemic
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that loneliness affects one in six people. In the report titled "From Loneliness To Social Connection", social isolation refers to the state of interacting less with others. Meanwhile, loneliness is a negative emotion that results from a gap between desired and actual relationships. "In this age when possibilities to connect are endless, more and more people are finding themselves isolated and lonely," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, in a news release. Between 2014-2023, around 16% of people worldwide -- one in six -- experienced loneliness. While loneliness impacts all ages and regions, young people are more vulnerable. Loneliness is more common in low and middle-income countries as 24% of people in these regions -- one in four -- report feeling lonely. Southeast Asia is ranked third (18%) after Africa (24%) and the Eastern Mediterranean (21%). Data on social isolation is limited. Between 1990-2022, up to a quarter of older people were estimated to interacting less with others. Marginalised groups, including LGBTI individuals and migrants, are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation than others. Multiple causes increase the risk of loneliness and social isolation, including poor health, living alone and lack of public infrastructure, as well as digital technology. The report highlights the impact of loneliness and social isolation, with both associated with stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and early death. Lonely people are twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Globally, between 2014 and 2019, loneliness was responsible for around 871,000 deaths each year. The report outlines solutions to promote social connection. While campaigns and policies have potential to address the challenge, community strategies provide enormous opportunities for people to connect. For example, improving social infrastructure, such as libraries and parks, can be helpful. Public spaces can also be designed in a better way to bring people together.
Bangkok Post
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Written in blood
In 2015, Joe Freeman and Aung Naing Soe noticed the prominent status of poetry in Myanmar politics. At the time, both journalists heard that Maung Saungkha, a 23-year-old poet, posted a poem about having a tattoo of an unnamed president on his penis on Facebook. Saungkha, however, was charged for defaming former president Thein Sein under telecommunication law, serving a six-month jail term. "It was eye-opening into the world of Myanmar's poetry playing such an outsized role," said Freeman, a journalist-turned-researcher for Amnesty International, in an event to mark the launch of their book titled Frontline Poets: The Literary Rebels Taking On Myanmar's Military at The Fort in Bangkok last month. The whole project took around three years. In the wake of the military coup on Feb 1, 2021, poets have been taking up guns in the battlefield. A month after an end to civilian rule, those from the Myanmar Poets Union showed three-finger salutes in Yangon. When the earthquake hit Myanmar early this year, poets helped deliver humanitarian aid. It inspired two authors to examine why they are doing so. "They are on the frontline of every single economic, political or social crisis, going back to the start of anti-British uprisings," said Freeman "This trend continues up until the present day, with many poets resisting the military coup." The book focused on five figures who "embody different versions of frontline poets" before and after the military coup. After finding himself in hot water over his critical poem, Saungkha continued fighting for freedom of expression. In early 2018, he founded an activist organisation called Athan. Following the military takeover, he started his own armed group called the Bamar People's Liberation Army (BPLA). Still, he believes in his identity as a poet. In the same way, K Za Win, a protest leader and poet, was killed in a demonstration on March 3, 2021. "Had he lived, he would have joined the armed group," said Freeman. Shortly after the military coup, he started to post a short poem on Facebook, which has since become an anthem to the protest movement. "Though I have different views than you, I'll lay down my life for you all," it reads. "It is almost revolutionary in itself because Myanmar is such a fractured place. People live in different places and represent different groups. He is someone who is coming out of this to make a sacrifice for all," he said. Freeman cited examples of his works that more or less chronicle real-time events. On Feb 23, 2021, he uploaded a poem titled About The Skulls in response to delayed international expression of concern over violence against protesters. He also urged those who were indecisive to join the movement. On March 2, 2021, he stressed the importance of solidarity. The next day he was killed. Women and LGBTI individuals have also joined the battlefield. As a member of the LGBTI community, Yoe Aunt Min has been constantly marginalised. She started writing poetry in middle school. In 2015, she joined a protest march in support of educational reform that K Za Win took part in. As a student activist, she coordinated protests within a week of the military coup. As the situation intensified, security forces fired on protesters in Monywa, including K Za Win. It led Yoe Aunt Min to join the BPLA to restore democracy and equality. Young recruits received gruelling military training at its camp, where she wrote poems in her downtime. A lengthy piece, titled A Deserter Goes To War, reflects her mental state during the battle. "That is the longest poem in the book. When we put materials together, we thought people didn't want to read a long poem," Freeman reflected. "But it is our most favourite poem because it speaks to something else. It is the kind of poem that isn't necessarily about a fiery war, but about people trying to hold on to their humanity, despite what is happening to them. "I think you will be surprised to find many poems are very intimate and personal. That is because it's human beings who wants to go back to their life. "They don't want to fight, but be with their friends, write poetry and go to a reading. I think this is a way for them to hold on to who they are, processing what they are going through in real time. "Yoe herself is on the frontline. Not long ago, she was in a house where an airstrike was 50 feet away. She is still writing poems that are extremely personal and intimate." Meanwhile, Lynn Khar and A Mon are living in exile following a military attack on Lay Kay Kaw village, a new settlement near the border of Thailand, in December 2021. In a visceral poem titled The Radio Of Dead People, Lynn Khar expresses his anger at unchecked military brutality. A Mon, who lost A Sai K to an airstrike, drew inspiration from his late friend's jade earring to compose a poem titled What Have You Left. "Myanmar is not always on the front page of the newspaper," Aung, currently based in the US, said. "I think these stories can help raise public awareness." Some are fighting on the frontline. Others are fleeing to other countries, including Thailand, for different reasons. Aung said, however, "it is very impossible for us to settle" here due to visa and paperwork issues. He used to visit many cities, but following the military coup, Thailand is the most practical option.
Bangkok Post
14-07-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Pageant for progress
There is more to a gay pageant than crowning the good-looking, charismatic winner. Beneath the glamorous veneer lies an expectation that the candidate have goodwill and sacrifice himself for the community. And this is what the champion of Mr. Gay Universe Thailand 2025 should embody. After an audition in May, 24 contestants pitched social campaigns on a wide range of topics from safe space to sexual health for LGBTIs at University of Phayao's College of Management in Bangkok on July 5. The winner of the Best Pride Campaign will be announced on Saturday and then fast-tracked to the final round the same day. The national representative will compete on the global stage. Mr. Gay Universe is an international competition that aims to enhance the visibility of gay men, empowering them to be role models and change-makers in their communities. It is expected to take place in India in November. "Today's event allows contestants to promote human rights and gender equality," said Nikorn Chimkong, director of the Bangkok Rainbow Organisation, which has held the national gay pageant for seven years. Previously, it was named Mr. Gay World Thailand. "It gives an opportunity for contestants to show their creativity and public spirit," said Prof Seri Wongmontha, the chair of the committee for the Best Pride Campaign Award. "As Thailand now values gender diversity, everybody is part of driving change." Each contestant took the stage and answered the committee's questions. In a social campaign titled "Empower Of Uniblood", Panupong Pimprasit called for the Thai Red Cross Society to lift the ban on blood donation by LGBTIs due to the perceived stigma of risky sexual behaviour, which he attributed to the spread of HIV/Aids in 1985. "It should be noted that our blood supplies are running low. In addition, HIV can infect all, not just LGBTIs. Besides, the Food and Drug Administration has already revised guidelines on blood donation," he said. The FDA officially removed restrictions that had forbidden blood donations by gay and bisexual men -- a policy that critics say is discriminatory -- in 2023. Panupong proposed that screening should apply to all blood donors, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, or sex. He showed a current screening form, though already updated, that includes two biological sexes and a new transgender category. In practice, however, transgender people are still not allowed to donate blood. "Screening should be based on individual risks rather than LGBTI stigma," he said. Panupong's social campaign will gather a broad coalition of government bodies, the private sector and civil society. He will develop a knowledge-sharing platform, design strategies to tackle inequality and increase blood supplies. In a social campaign titled "My Little Pride Show", Surachai Saengsuwan has LGBTI artists mentor children with Down syndrome. For seven years, he has organised art camps to promote collaboration and showcase their works. Inspired by a student who wants to be a cabaret performer, he has continued with this year's campaign to improve the public perception of them as givers. A pilot group of 30 children with Down syndrome joined workshops in May and performed with different groups of the LGBTI community, including gay men, drags, transgender people and bears, in June. They are expected to perform with a group of molam singers later this year. "Nowadays, LGBTIs are not just survivors but givers. We have an opportunity to live a meaningful life," he said. Crowned with the "Drag Queen Iconic Buriram Award", Jakkaphan Phataraaksornsakul is working on a social campaign titled "Disability And Diversity My Power My Pride". Born with cleft lip and palate, Jakkaphan has been suffering from discrimination. He wants to mentor disabled people who are interested in drag performances. "There is no need to hide. Just show it," he added. In a project titled "Rainbow Wounds", Pand Chandrakaeo is raising awareness about the impact of violence on LGBTIs, including those with intersectional identities. As physical, sexual and verbal attacks hurt and leave wounds, he aims to empower victims by encouraging them to speak out on social media. Santi Kengsuwan is conducting a project titled "Notice The Red Flag" to address rising violence against LGBTIs. His online group allows users to ask for immediate help in the vicinity. They can also get news alerts, learn about different types of LGBTI violence and receive psychological support. "As the number of cases is on the rise, this lifeline will ensure safety for vulnerable groups, especially sex workers," he said. Meanwhile, Eakachai Sreprom is developing an all-in-one application called Gay Unicorn. It provides a community space for gay men to talk and learn about a wide range of topics from rights to sex health. For example, it gathers information about sexually transmitted diseases and chemsex, which is not available on the Internet. Volunteers are at hand to offer advice. Some contestants place emphasis on the promotion of gender diversity in an educational setting. Pattawee Tunprasert is planning a social campaign to create safe space in elementary school. As statistics show that LGBTI students are more stressed than non-LGBTI peers, Pattawee wants to equip teachers with more knowledge of gender diversity. In a social campaign titled "Hear And Heal", Supakij Phosida is pushing for reintegration of LGBTI ex-inmates into society. At a prison in Ayutthaya, there are around 60 LGBTIs out of 1,500 inmates (4%). Upon release, their jobs are limited to hairdressing or household chores. His project will provide more opportunities by training well-behaved ex-prisoners and matching them with local factories under an MoU. "One of them is going to set a quota for LGBTIs. I will bring more on board. A small step is already a success," he added.
Indian Express
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
UN, Netherlands cancel LGBTQ event in Senegal after government warning
The UN and the Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday they had cancelled an LGBTQ-themed event in Senegal after the West African nation warned of repercussions for organisers and voiced opposition to all 'promotion of the LGBTQI phenomenon'. Anti-gay laws are in place in many conservative West African countries, including Senegal, where anyone who commits an 'act against nature' with someone of the same sex can be punished by up to five years in prison. In a statement published on X, Senegal's foreign ministry on Friday said it had been informed of a film screening to be hosted by the UN and the Dutch embassy that would have been followed by 'discussions on LGBTI issues'. The statement did not specify when the event was scheduled to occur. 'Accordingly, the government reserves the right to take any appropriate action against any organisers of such activities, and even against participants, whatever their origins, status or rank,' the foreign ministry statement said. The activities of diplomatic missions and international organizations must comply with the country's regulations, it said. Later on Friday, Seif Magango, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, told Reuters the event 'has been cancelled, and we continue to engage with the authorities'. The Dutch foreign ministry said in a statement that, while the Netherlands 'stands for human rights and equal treatment' it had decided to cancel the event 'considering various factors'. In 2022, Senegalese lawmakers rejected a bid to toughen anti-LGBTQ provisions in the penal code, saying the existing legislation was sufficiently clear. Earlier this year, Ghana reintroduced a bill that could become one of Africa's most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation after an earlier attempt to enact it fell short because of legal challenges. The fate of that legislation, which would need to be signed into law by the president, is unclear.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
UN, Netherlands cancel LGBTQ event in Senegal after government warning
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox DAKAR - The U.N. and the Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday they had cancelled an LGBTQ-themed event in Senegal after the West African nation warned of repercussions for organisers and voiced opposition to all "promotion of the LGBTQI phenomenon". Anti-gay laws are in place in many conservative West African countries, including Senegal, where anyone who commits an "act against nature" with someone of the same sex can be punished by up to five years in prison. In a statement published on X, Senegal's foreign ministry on Friday said it had been informed of a film screening to be hosted by the U.N. and the Dutch embassy that would have been followed by "discussions on LGBTI issues". The statement did not specify when the event was scheduled to occur. "Accordingly, the government reserves the right to take any appropriate action against any organisers of such activities, and even against participants, whatever their origins, status or rank," the foreign ministry statement said. The activities of diplomatic missions and international organizations must comply with the country's regulations, it said. Later on Friday, Seif Magango, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, told Reuters the event "has been cancelled, and we continue to engage with the authorities". Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Wishes for ST beyond 180: Odes to its enduring role in the Singapore story Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide The Dutch foreign ministry said in a statement that, while the Netherlands "stands for human rights and equal treatment" it had decided to cancel the event "considering various factors". In 2022, Senegalese lawmakers rejected a bid to toughen anti-LGBTQ provisions in the penal code, saying the existing legislation was sufficiently clear. Earlier this year, Ghana reintroduced a bill that could become one of Africa's most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation after an earlier attempt to enact it fell short because of legal challenges. The fate of that legislation, which would need to be signed into law by the president, is unclear. REUTERS
