Thuong Le

Jugal Purohit, a BBC reporter, shares his insights from the frontline of India's ongoing battle against Maoist insurgents. He discusses the origins and brutal tactics of the Maoists, the government's ambitious plan to eliminate them by 2026, and the role of the controversial District Reserve Guard in countering violence. Meanwhile, Thuong Le takes us to Thailand's Buffalo Racing Festival, celebrating the cultural significance of buffaloes in agriculture and the spirited chaos of the races, blending tradition with community bonding.

Damien Sharkov, a journalist from BBC Monitoring, dives into the alarming use of AI and bot networks targeting elections in Europe. He reveals how these campaigns aim to overwhelm news organizations with misinformation, making fact-checking an uphill battle. Thuong Le, a reporter for BBC Vietnamese, unpacks the myths surrounding Anh Yung, a Vietnamese-American scientist falsely linked to bomb-making. She shares Anh's incredible journey from a refugee to a notable chemical engineer and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field.

Thuong Le, a BBC reporter from BBC Vietnamese in Bangkok, discusses the dynamic rise of the Vietnamese fashion industry. She highlights how global celebrities like Billie Eilish and Doja Cat are endorsing homegrown brands, enhancing their appeal. The podcast explores the significant impact of affordable and quality garments on international markets, as well as the cultural significance of brands like El Sol. Insightful contributions from fashion influencer Joyce Ng and consultant Quynh Nguyen reveal the lucrative growth potential and future prospects of Vietnamese fashion.