The Bulletin

Stephff's world

Rethinking the global order in the age of American retrenchment

Tuesday, 13 May, 2pm

The Trump administration has upended the international order that underpinned global stability, trade and diplomacy, calling into question the United States’ commitment to multilateralism, institutional cooperation and a rules-based framework. Trump is steering and accelerating America’s dramatic inward turn through the unilateral imposition of tariffs on trade allies and rivals alike; the withdrawal of funding commitments and diplomatic support for multilateral institutions like the UN and WHO; a more transactional approach to foreign policy that has found the White House closer to the likes of Putin and Bukele and the dismantling of government agencies that are critical to promote open society and the rule of law domestically and internationallyAmerica is less predictable, more conditional and less committed. This presents an urgent question: as America withdraws, what comes next -- and who steps in?Nowhere is the transforming global order more acutely felt than in Southeast Asia, a region facing astronomically high US reciprocal tariff rates. As a region pushed and pulled by great power competition and complex interdependence, Southeast Asia finds itself navigating between its growing economic reliance on China and its security partnerships with the U.S. and other (hitherto) US-allied western powers.America’s withdrawal and the ensuing polarization between the US and China raises critical questions for Southeast Asian countries, operating as a regional bloc under ASEAN or under ASEAN-adjacent groupings that may include other countries:

• Can they develop strategic coherence and autonomy in the absence of a strong American security umbrella to insulate themselves from the headwinds created by the erosion of US reliability? How should they hedge against the intensifying polarization in the US-China rivalry?
• What is the future of free market economic policies and trade norms that America is now retreating from? What is the impact of this consequential geopolitical realignment to democratization efforts in the region?
• Are middle powers in the region -- such as Indonesia and Malaysia in the global economy, Vietnam in manufacturing and supply chains and Singapore in financial services -- positioned to take on a more assertive leadership roles in multilateral spaces? Within the region, can middle powers do more to resolve conflicts and crises such as the civil war in Myanmar and the South China Sea dispute?

The answers to these and other questions have implications for regional peace and prosperity, the future architecture of international cooperation and the trajectory of democracy in Asia and globally.A panel of experts will address these questions.Speakers:Binaifer Nowrojee, president, Open Society Foundations.Risa Hontiveros, senator, the Philippines.Shannon Teoh, Malaysia bureau chief, The Strait Times.Dino Patti Djalal, founder, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia.Fuadi Pitsuwan, president, Surin Pitsuwan Foundation and lecturer, Thammasat University.Moderator: Phil Robertson, FCCT board member.This is not an FCCT-organized event.Free and open to all. Food and beverages will be provided.

Coworking at the FCCT

Tuesday, 13 May, 10am

Need a change of scenery from your home office? Join us for a coworking day at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Thailand (FCCT) -- a perfect space for working professionals, digital nomads and anyone looking to break free from the home-office routine.

Enjoy a spacious, comfortable workspace with dedicated tables, a full restaurant, café and bar and exclusive lunch specials just for this event.

Whether you're tackling deadlines or networking with like-minded professionals, this is an opportunity to be productive in a collaborative, social environment. Come work, connect, and enjoy great food because working remotely doesn’t have to mean working alone.

Hosted by Nick Bernhardt, FCCT treasurer and managing director of Khayan Consultants.

Free and open to all.

Board games night

Tuesday, 13 May, 7pm

Join us for a chilled night of board games with The Boring Club. Try your luck with classics like chess and backgammon or modern games including Catan and Pandemic.The bar and restaurant will be open. Try our pizzas from the new pizza oven. The Boring Club meets at the FCCT clubhouse for games every Tuesday at 7pm.

Free and open to all.

IDAHOTBiT 2025: Moving forward with the power of communities

Press conference,
Thursday, 15 May, 9.30am

Amid the intensifying global backlash against transgender rights, the Trans Health Access Thailand Project (Kham Phet Mee Sook), the LGBTIQNA+ Health Promotion Academic Center Thailand, the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights (ThaiTGA) and Thailand’s Trans* Taskforce are convening this press conference to reaffirm their commitment to ending anti-trans hatred.

This event marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOTBiT), observed annually on 17 May. The 2025 global theme, “The Power of Communities,” celebrates the strength, resilience and diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities and recognizes collective efforts to promote equality and justice in Thailand and worldwide.

Thailand has made notable progress in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights, including the recent enactment of the Marriage Equality Law, which legally recognizes same-sex partnerships. Pride celebrations are gaining visibility nationwide, and an increasing number of organizations are advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. In particular, transgender activists and civil society networks have been at the forefront of campaigns for legal gender recognition and equitable access to rights and public services. Despite these achievements, there is growing concern that the rise of anti-trans rhetoric and anti-gender ideologies in the Global North may influence or disrupt the momentum of local trans rights movements in Thailand.

What consequences do Thai activists and experts anticipate from this global anti-gender backlash? How can collective action be mobilized to prevent these impacts? What roles should civil society, the government and public institutions play in reaffirming their commitment to ending transphobia and violence against transgender people?

Join us at the FCCT Clubhouse or via Facebook Live to hear insights and strategies from leading voices in the movement:

Nachale Boonyapisomparn, manager of the Trans Health Access Thailand Project.

Vitit Muntarbhorn, professor emeritus, Faculty of Law, Chulalongkorn University, and expert in international law, particularly human rights.

Atitaya Asa, president of the Thailand’s Trans* Taskforce.

Ronnapoom Samakkeekarom, president of the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights (ThaiTGA) & head of the LGBTIQNA+ Health Promotion Academic Center Thailand.

Food and beverages will be available after the press conference. This event is for journalists, press and media representatives. Food and beverages will be available afterward.

Please confirm attendance on https://forms.gle/Tt4RnbogwtZjgV9X6

This is not an FCCT-organized event.This event is for journalists, press and media representatives. Food and beverages will be available afterward.

Progress on the charge of genocide against Israel

Panel discussion with Facebook livestream,
Thursday, 15 May, 7pm

Gaza’s devastated landscape. (Photo by Jaber Jehad Badwan)After Hamas launched its surprise attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, the subsequent devastation of Gaza and tremendous loss of Palestinian lives stunned the world.In December 2023, the Republic of South Africa took Israel to the International Court of Justice, and in January 2024 the court passed an interim ruling that there was a plausible case to answer for genocide. Fifteen months later, Israel continues to exact terrible retribution with major materiel support from the U.S.In pursuit of justice, a group of like-minded states came together to defend the Palestinians. The Hague Group -- Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Senegal and South Africa -- has expressed its intent to hold Israel to account through the court. Available representatives from the Hague Group and the international legal community will provide an update on the progress of the charge of genocide against Israel at the ICJ.Closer to home, the Hind Rajab Foundation is at the forefront of mounting legal action worldwide against Israeli war criminals. Their representative, and other speakers, will report on efforts to arrest those war criminals vacationing in Thailand.Speakers:Kannavee Suebsaeng, member of parliament, secretary-general of the Fair Party.Abou Jahjah, Chairman, Hind Rajab Foundation.Lieutenant General Dr. Somchai Virunhapol, advisor and former chair, PSC Thailand.Representatives of the Hague Group and the international legal community as available.Moderator: Nick Ferriman, assistant professor, Mahidol University International College.This is not an FCCT event and is being organized by Palestine Solidarity Campaign Thailand.Bar and restaurant open. Free and open to all.

Policies and patterns: State-abetted transnational crime in Cambodia as a global security threat

Research launch and panel discussion,
Friday, 16 May, 12.30pm

Southeast Asia’s transnational cybercriminal industry is perhaps the most significant economic force in the entire Mekong sub-region -- equivalent to 40% or more of the GDP in the primary host countries, according to recent information from the US Institute for Peace. At the same time, the syndicates and their opaque transnational linkages are amassing even more dangerous political power. Local elites across the region are implicated neck deep and in certain contexts the industry appears “too big to fail”. Such dominance and global reach by a single criminal economy is virtually unprecedented -- generating a vast array of stability and security risks and earning its label as “the most powerful criminal network of the modern era”.

This event profiles a new US government-funded study (Policies and Patterns: State-abetted Transnational Crime in Cambodia) that exposes this new global security threat which is centered in Cambodia. Drawing on scholarly/policy literature, open-source data, and over 50 interviews with experts, journalists, diplomats and survivors, the report explores how Cambodia’s state-crime nexus has incubated the perfect conditions for scam syndicates to emerge and thrive -- and why conventional diplomatic and reform-seeking interventions are failing to stop them.

Following a presentation by study author Jacob Sims, a panel of other leading regional experts will reflect on the implications of this new data on Cambodia, recent regional trends, and the stark implications for concerned governments, multilateral bodies and the private sector.

Panel:

Jacob Sims, visiting fellow, Asia center, Harvard University.

Lindsey Kennedy, research director, Eyewitness Project.

Mark Taylor, former chief of party, counter-trafficking project (Cambodia), Winrock International.

Jason Tower, regional transnational crime expert.

Moderator: Phil Robertson, director, Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, and FCCT board member.

Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.

Non-members can use this link.

Members free, non-members 200 baht.Bar and restaurant open.

FCCT pub trivia

Friday, 16 May, 7pm

Gather your friends and colleagues for a night of pub trivia at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand.

Come for a bite and a beverage and test your knowledge. 1,000 baht bar tab up for grabs for the winning team, to be redeemed on the night.

Advanced table bookings encouraged here.

Free and open to all.

Democrats Abroad Thailand (DAT) annual general meeting

Thursday, 22 May, 6.30pm

Democrats Abroad Thailand Annual General Meeting will begin with a discussion of President Trump's first 100 days. This will be followed by DAT officer elections and other business matters.This event is a private meeting open to all members and prospective members of DAT; membership requires American citizenship. Free pizza will be provided to all attendees.

This is not an FCCT-organized event.

Democratic jungle: The invisible struggles of the workers who power our world

Photo exhibition and panel discussion,
Friday, 23 May, 6.30pm

We live in a world where everything we need -- products, services and workspaces -- is readily available. Yet, it has become all too easy to overlook the hidden struggles of those who make it all possible. As technology connects us across vast distances, it has also distanced us from the individuals who power our daily lives.Their reality, often marked by exploitation, inequality and suffering, is overshadowed by the corporate language of "ethical sourcing," "fair trade," "social impact," and "sustainability."These words fill boardrooms and marketing campaigns, crafting a vision of progress. But what about the workers behind the scenes -- those whose well-being is rarely considered in the definitions of "wellness" or "eco-friendly" labor conditions?Too often, we hear: "At least they have a job" or “It is cultural.” But would that answer be enough if it were your daughter, your mother or your grandfather working under these conditions?This exhibition challenges us to rethink the systems we participate in, to confront the human cost of convenience and to ask: How can we create a more just and equitable world for those who remain unseen?Nathalie Jamois is a French photojournalist based in Bangkok since 2008, documenting the social, cultural and political landscapes of Southeast Asia. With a sharp documentary approach, her work captures the complexities of human stories -- focusing on resilience, identity and the forces shaping contemporary society. Whether immersed in the energy of city streets or sharing quiet moments with her subjects, her images reveal both the visible and the unseen, inviting viewers to engage with the deeper narratives behind each frame. Covering everything from social movements to corporate and cultural events, she strives to create visual stories that inform, challenge perceptions and spark dialogue. Her work has been featured in Forbes, The Guardian, Le Figaro, Rolling Stone and by groups like Amnesty International, and more, bringing attention to the intricate realities of the region through a lens of authenticity and depth.Panel will include Nathalie Jamois, and additional persons to be announced.Moderator: Phil Robertson, FCCT board member.Members who wish to book in advance should email info@fccthai.com or call the FCCT office on 02-652-0580.Exhibition duration -- May 24 to June 20, 2025 (free and open to all).

Free and open to all.
Bar and restaurant open.

A stitch in time: Bangkok Refugees embroider their life stories

Exhibition launch, art exhibit and panel discussion,
Friday, 20 June 20, 7pm

There are at least 6000 refugees who live in Bangkok who are registered with the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and thousands more are in the process of seeking asylum.Where do they all come from? How are they surviving day to day? What challenges do they face in finding food, shelter, safety and income? What do they fear? And what is their plan for the future and path to a better life?On World Refugee Day, advocates and experts will answer those and other questions and celebrate the creativity and ingenuity of several groups of highland refugees from Vietnam who are using a unique way to tell their stories and earn income through embroidery about their lived experiences.On display will be an exhibition of amazing, embroidered triptychs, telling the stories of highland refugees from Vietnam. The exhibition has been collected by refugee advocate Gerda Liebmann, who uses art as a catalyst to encourage healing from trauma.Liebmann work focuses on fostering the emotional relief for refugees that arises when participants tell their stories using paper and paint and, in this case, needle and thread. The triptychs help explain why these refugees fled Vietnam, what they are facing in Thailand and the futures that they dream about.A panel of experts will speak about the triptychs, the refugee community making them and the wider issues facing urban refugees in Bangkok.Gerda Liebmann, art therapist, Visual Arts Mission Asia.Rachel Djamaludin, community relations and education support, Life Raft International. Other panelists to be announced.Moderator: Phil Robertson, director, Asia Human Rights and Labor Advocates, and FCCT board member.Free and open to all.Bar and restaurant open.

The FCCT is grateful for the support of corporate sponsor Bitkub. For more information about the club's corporate sponsorship program contact: info@fccthai.com.

The FCCT expresses appreciation for the support provided by corporate sponsor Bumrungrad International Hospital. For more information about the club's corporate sponsorship program contact: info@fccthai.com.

Heart valve disease: A possible hidden danger!

The heart consists of 4 chambers with the valves opening and closing to let blood pass through between the upper and the lower chambers in one direction, and not backward.

Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the heart valves do not open or close properly. This causes the heart muscles to work harder to pump blood for the body’s requirements. This can result in heart failure and death.

What are the symptoms of heart valve diseases?

• Fatigue, tired when doing daily activities.
• Difficulty breathing while doing activities or lying down.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Swelling in various organs such as the abdomen, legs, ankles and feet.
• Cardiac arrhythmia such as fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever and body aches, if due to infection.
• In severe cases, too much fluid in the lungs, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness.

What is the treatment for heart valve disease?

There are many ways to treat heart valve disease. Currently, Bumrungrad Hospital has the technology for heart valve replacement without surgery, offering good results and highly safe.

Learn more about heart valve disease and treatment option here.

Send us an enquiry today by clicking here.

Executive Leadership Program Asia (ELP)

Before and in parallel with N3Con 2025, AAJA-Asia will be holding the 5th edition of its Executive Leadership Program Asia (ELP), a transformative training program carefully cultivated to grow mid-career journalists as news leaders, managers and executives who can thrive in uncertain times and build a sustainable future for journalism.

FCCT members also get a 30% discount on this training. Registration is open until 9 May.

For more information visit: https://aaja-asia.org/training/executive-leadership-program-elp/

N3Con 2025

The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand (FCCT) is pleased to be a media partner of AAJA-Asia's New.Now.Next Media conference 2025 (N3Con), to be held at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Communication Arts, Bangkok, on 29-31 May.

Over the years, the annual gathering of the Asian American Journalists Association's Asia Chapter (AAJA-Asia) has established itself as one of the more vibrant gatherings of journalists in the Asia Pacific region.

For N3Con's 15th edition, keynote speaker Julie Pace, executive editor of the Associated Press, along with prominent reporters and editors from leading international and Asian news outlets, will explore the transformative effect of Generative AI on news content production and distribution, assess the new Trump administration’s impact on the global news ecosystem and US-Asia relations and discuss hot topics for the news industry such as solutions journalism, news influencers, climate reporting, cross-border investigative journalism and more.

FCCT members enjoy a 30% discount on all conference tickets. Register here with the promo code: N3CON2025-FCCT-PROMO.

For more information visit: https://www.n3con.com/2025/

Frontier Myanmar is seeking a managing editor to help lead our newsroom

The successful candidate will work with a team of award-winning journalists and together with other senior editors oversee the production of accurate, in-depth reports on a fast-developing situation in Myanmar.

Duties will include commissioning and editing stories, managing reporters and liaising with freelancers while contributing to Frontier’s membership programme, which includes panel discussions and newsletters. There will also be opportunities to do original reporting, write editorials and commentaries, and speak on Frontier’s weekly discussion podcast.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced journalist or editor with excellent written English who knows how to craft magazine-type features. If they are not from Myanmar, they will have worked in the country or elsewhere in Southeast Asia and possess a deep knowledge of Myanmar’s politics, culture and business environment.

The position is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand and is full time. More information is available via this link: https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/work-with-us/

To apply, please email a cover letter, CV/resume, work samples and at least two reference contacts to bendunant@frontiermyanmar.net and nang@frontiermyanmar.net by May 11.

FCCT’s new podcast: Dateline Bangkok

For this week's episode of the Dateline Bangkok podcast, Tommy Walker speaks with Chokwan 'Kitty' Chopaka. Kitty is a cannabis rights activist and entrepreneur.Nicknamed the “Queen of Cannabis,” Kitty’s advocacy has seen her protest for the regulation and legislation of cannabis in Thailand. She has also been an advisor to the Thai government and the European Union on issues surrounding cannabis.A former law professional, Kitty spent her youth in Australia before returning to Thailand. Kitty opened up the Chopaka shop in 2022, the same year Thailand de-listed the cannabis flower as a narcotic, effectively decriminalising it.Chopaka was closed as of 2025.Kitty speaks to Tommy about her early years in cannabis advocacy, her own hopes for the use of cannabis in Thailand and the challenges the industry faces today.Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

New to Bangkok? Under 35?

Are you under 35? Check out our special offer below! For further details, please contact info@fccthai.com.

New FCCT merchandise

Advertise in the FCCT's Bulletin at special discount rates

Individuals and organisations are welcome to take out advertising in the weekly FCCT Bulletin which reaches nearly 4,000 people in the club’s network. Guidelines

• Write a catchy headline, followed by a maximum of three sentences + contact email/phone number/ link to a website for further details if applicable.

To book an ad please email: info@fccthai.com