Viral videos featuring child live-streamers, some engaging in disturbing acts like extreme eating or simulated intimacy, have sparked controversy in China. State media has criticized the trend, leading to the removal of problematic content under new regulations.
Han Yaping, an 18-year-old from a disadvantaged rural family in Henan, China, achieved a top score of 699/750 on the gaokao. Despite offers from leading universities and attention from live-streamers offering financial aid, she declined their support.
Top Thai influencer Pimrypie (Pimradaporn Benjawattanapat) conducted a four-hour live stream selling premium Monthong durian at 100 baht ($3) per fruit, well below market rates of 700-800 baht for jumbo sizes. The livestream drew 700,000 peak viewers and nearly 8 million Facebook views, generating 2 million order comments. Pimrypie purchased produce from farms in Chanthaburi, the world's durian capital, selling at a loss to help Thai farmers amid a supply buildup. Thailand has 850,000 video-commerce sellers driving 1.3 billion transactions.
A Chinese social media account @Yebali (Night Paris) with over 11 million followers targeting juveniles was permanently banned for forcing young female live-streamers to stay in a tank with a crocodile and hold their breath underwater. The account operated for five years before closing under pressure. The performances involved six to 10 young girl hosts apparently below age 18, breaching Chinese law forbidding minors from hosting live-streams.
