Stephff's world
Burma Soldier
Film screening, panel discussion, Wednesday, 11 November, 7pm
The Embassy of Ireland in Thailand, in partnership with Frontier Myanmar, presents the Emmy-nominated HBO documentary Burma Soldier at the FCCT.
Burma Soldier is a powerful exposé of Myanmar’s military from the perspective of an insider. The film tells the story of Myo Myint, who joined the Myanmar army at the age of 17, drawn by the security, respect and employment it promised. After losing a limb in a landmine explosion, he turned against the military regime and joined the pro-democracy movement. Combining interviews, archival footage and photographs, much of it smuggled out of the country, Burma Soldier traces Myanmar’s history from independence in 1948 and examines how decades of military rule have shaped the country. More relevant than ever, the film offers valuable insight into understanding Myanmar today.
The New York Times said the “documentary shows dissent in Myanmar military ... In quiet and measured tones in the film, broken at one point by tears, Mr Myo Myint describes his journey…” And Variety said:“HBO’s documentaries have a way of compelling us to take a look at parts of the world the rest of the media tends to forget ... The strongest elements come from Myo Myint Cho’s first-person accounts of the horrors he witnessed.”
Narrated by Colin Farrell with music by U2, Burma Soldier won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the United Nations Association Film Festival. It was also nominated for an Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Award for Best Feature Documentary and nominated for an Emmy.
The Ambassador of Ireland to Thailand, Nora Delaney, will deliver opening remarks before the screening of the film.
And after it is screened, there will be a thought-provoking discussion on how decades of civil war and military rule have shaped Myanmar’s society, affecting its ability to reconcile, compromise and solve problems, and how battlefield experience has influenced the worldview of the military, featuring:
Kyaw Kyaw, researcher at the Myanmar Defence and Security Institute, medical doctor, and former Myanmar Military officer;
Agnes Mary, counselling psychologist specialising in trauma;
Nic Dunlop, co-director of Burma Soldier and features editor, Frontier Myanmar;
Moderated by Thu Thu Aung, editor-in-chief, Frontier Myanmar.
Members and non-members who wish to attend are kindly requested to RSVP in advance by emailing members@frontiermyanmar.net.
Free and open to all.
Bar and restaurant open.
Under Pressure: Journalism and Solidarity in Southeast Asia
Panel discussion, Monday, 16 Nov, 7pm
Journalists and media organizations across Southeast Asia face a range of pressures, from threats and harassment to legal challenges and restrictions on press freedom. How are journalists navigating these challenges, and what forms of solidarity and support can help them continue their work?
Join us for a panel discussion on the challenges journalists are facing in the Mekong region, the role of organizations supporting journalists at risk, and how cross-border collaboration and solidarity can strengthen press freedom and journalist safety.
The evening will also pay tribute to our friend Gwen Robinson, honouring her dedication to journalism in Southeast Asia and her generosity in mentoring and supporting fellow journalists. We will celebrate her legacy of solidarity and care, and reflect on how to carry that spirit forward in strengthening the safety and protection of journalists across the region.
Welcome remarks: Ruth Kronenberg, executive director of Free Press Unlimited (FPU), followed by a tribute to Gwen Robinson on behalf of the FPU.
Panelists:
Yucca Wai, programs director, Exile Hub;
Panu Wongcha-um, president, Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand;
Nathan Paul Southern, operations director, EyeWitness Project;
Vi Tran, executive director, Legal Initiatives for Vietnam.
Moderator: Phil Robertson, FCCT board member.
Free and open to all.
Bar and restaurant open.
Britain, Thailand and a changing Southeast Asia – a conversation with the new British Ambassador to Thailand
Monday, 30 November, 7pm
Thailand and the United Kingdom share a long-standing relationship spanning trade, investment, education, tourism, security and close people-to-people ties.As both countries navigate a more fragmented and uncertain international landscape, the relationship is expanding into areas such as clean energy, technology, climate action and regional security.
Britain is also seeking a deeper role in Southeast Asia, a region increasingly central to global economic growth and geopolitical competition. How does the UK view its evolving partnership with Thailand? And where does the country fit within Britain’s wider engagement with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific?
In her first appearance at the FCCT, British Ambassador Nicola Pollitt will discuss the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping this next chapter.
Moderator: Jonathan Head, BBC Southeast Asia correspondent.
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 400 baht; students and local media with ID 150 baht.
Bar and restaurant open.
Christmas dinner at the FCCT
Friday, 11 December, 7pm
As we approach the end of the year, it’s getting to that time again .. yep, the club’s annual festive feast.
This is one of our big events of the year, and always fun, so please come and enjoy some terrific food and catch up with other members and their families. There will be the usual special events for the kids. Or you can just plop at the bar and have a drink or three.
Hope to see you there. The more the merrier.
All welcome. Book your tickets here.
Members 1,500 baht, non-members 1,900 baht; children 12 and under, 750 baht.
Co-working at the FCCT
Tuesday, 10 November, 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 foreign correspondent Tommy Walker.
Free and open to all.
Bar and restaurant open.
Board games night
Tuesday, 10 November, 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.
Bar and restaurant open.
FCCT pub trivia
Friday, 27 November, 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.
Bar and restaurant open.