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May Wong

Indochina Bureau Chief

May has been a journalist for almost 30 years. She started in radio journalism and went on to television under CNA, Mediacorp. She started the first news bureau for CNA in Myanmar, where she reported on the return of Aung San Suu Kyi to politics and the Rohingya crisis. She later moved to Thailand and covered the Thai elections as well as youth and the environment. More recently, she was posted to Hong Kong where she focused on economic issues. Now as Indochina Bureau Chief at The Straits Times, she covers news of this vibrant region out of Bangkok. 

Latest articles

Bus trips home for Songkran delayed by lack of fuel? From Bangkok to Hanoi, fears grow over fuel

Commuters alight from a bus on the first day of the implementation of an "odd-even" vehicle numbering system in Yangon on March 7, 2026. Myanmar's junta announced half of private vehicles will be ordered off the roads each day, based on licence plate numbers, in order to conserve fuel due to the war in the Middle East.

Newly minted Thai Prime Minister Anutin has energy crisis on his hands

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister, Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul, attends a voting session for a new prime minister at the parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

Myanmar’s junta chief expected to hand over top military post to long-time protege

Myanmar’s junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (centre) is likely to hand over the military’s top post before assuming the presidency in late March.

‘Crazy’ Yangon property prices despite struggling economy, civil war in Myanmar

The World Bank noted in its December report that while Myanmar will see moderate signs of economic improvement, it still faces significant headwinds.

A tale of two elections: Quiet in Laos, lively in Thailand. But some things remain the same

Motorists drive past the Lao National Assembly ahead of the election in Vientiane on Feb 19, 2026. The Feb 22 election would see 243 candidates contesting 175 seats after being pre-selected by the ruling communist party.

Thailand election: Pheu Thai to join coalition government led by winner Bhumjaithai

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (centre R), leader of the Bhumjaithai party, shakes hands with the Pheu Thai Party's prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat (centre L) during a meeting at the Bhumjaithai headquarters in Bangkok on February 13, 2026. Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said February 13 that his Bhumjaithai party, which won the election at the weekend, agreed to form a coalition with jailed Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra's party. (Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool / THAI NEWS PIX / AFP)

Thailand election: Bhumjaithai’s win reflects return of conservatism, mistakes by rivals

Thailand's Prime Minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul arrives at his party's headquarters on election day in Bangkok.

Thailand election: Anutin’s Bhumjaithai declares victory as People’s Party concedes

Always regarded as a “kingmaker” in previous elections, Mr Anutin Charnvirakul might just become Thailand’s 33rd prime minister this time when 500 MPs officially convene.

Thailand election: Anutin’s Bhumjaithai is in the lead, according to count by local media

Thais voted on February 8 in an election where the incumbent conservative prime minister is expected to end up retaining his position, extending the country's political stand-off.

Thailand is wracked by floods and quakes. But what’s holding it back is far harder to tackle

A drone view shows people walking in a flooded area in Hat Yai district, Songkhla, Thailand, November 23, 2025. REUTERS/Roylee Suriyaworakul     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY