PHOTO EXHIBITION: "Photo stories from the Just Futures Mekong Fellowship Program (2025)"

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Protecting the Customary Rights and Way of Life in Thailand’s Small-scale Fishery Communities

For more information and download the policy brief here.

 

Connecting Thailand’s Community-based Tourism to Chinese Travellers: Local Voices, Emerging Trends, and Collaboration

For more information and download the policy brief here.

 

From Trust to Recognition: Strengthening a Participatory and Community-Grounded Seed System in Thailand

For more information and download the policy brief here.

 

Walking Alongside Communities: Supporting Community-Led Adaptation Resilience beyond Climate Change in Northern Thailand’s highlands

For more information and download the policy brief here.

 

Can Chinese EV Investment Contribute to Thailand’s Green Transformation?

For more information and download the policy brief here.

 

WORKSHOP: Cultivating Connections: Just Futures Mekong Fellows at the 'Young Seed for the Future' Festival

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By Yu Yin, Fellowship Coordinator, Center for Social Development Studies CSDS

As the global community seeks solutions to mitigate climate change and achieve food security, events that emphasize sustainability and collaboration are more vital than ever. One such inspiring gathering was the 25th "Young Seed for the Future" Festival, held from January 23 to 25, 2025, in Yasothon Province, Thailand. This festival provided a unique opportunity for the five Just Futures Mekong Fellows—a group of passionate changemakers from China exploring civil society and sustainability across the Mekong region—to engage with sustainable agricultural practices, build meaningful connections, and gain insights from grassroots initiatives. This marked their first activity following their welcome orientation. 

Photo: Just Future Mekong Fellows with Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Yasothon Province. Credit: Yu Yin 

A Festival with Purpose 
Organized by the Alternative Agriculture Network, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, and Bio-Thai, the Seed Festival is more than an annual event. It is a celebration of seeds, local knowledge, genetic resources, and food sovereignty — the cornerstones of sustainable agriculture and food security. 

This year’s festival was particularly significant, expanding its regional reach to include participants from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand, along with the Just Futures Mekong Fellows from China. Under the theme "Young Seed for the Future," the event emphasized the importance of regional and intergenerational collaboration in agriculture. It inspired young leaders, farmers, and agricultural communities to build resilient food systems in response to climate change and other pressing challenges. 

The festival opened with heartfelt addresses from Mr. Charin Thongsuk, Governor of Yasothon Province, and Boonsong Matkhao, Director of the Northeastern Alternative Agriculture Network. Their speeches underscored the festival’s mission: to promote sustainable agricultural practices, secure and diversify seeds, and foster meaningful regional connections. 

Immersive Experiences for the Fellows 
The three-day festival offered the Fellows a wealth of hands-on experiences that went beyond traditional learning. Through engaging activities, they explored the interplay between traditional agricultural knowledge, innovation, and sustainability. Highlights included: 

  • Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Expert farmers led discussions on climate-resilient rice seed cultivation, innovative agricultural practices, community-based genetic resource management, and strategies for protecting local plant varieties. 

  • Food and Vegetable Tasting: Participants sampled locally grown teas, fruits, liquors, tomatoes, and rice, showcasing the flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits of organic produce. 

  • Seed Swap: Farmers exchanged over 100 varieties of vegetable, fruit, and rice seeds, with fresh produce like pumpkins and melons shared during the event. 

  • Farmers’ Market: Featuring over 60 vendors, the market highlighted local agricultural heritage with fresh produce, coffee, herbal goods, and crafts, offering Fellows a chance to support small-scale farmers and learn about sustainable farming innovations. 

These activities allowed the Fellows to witness firsthand how farmers address climate adaptation through seed preservation and innovative farming practices. They also gained a deeper understanding of the critical role NGOs and community networks play in supporting and connecting rural communities, fostering knowledge exchange, and driving behavior change. 

Photo: Seed Swap at the Seed Festival, Credit: Yu Yin

Photos: Farmers’ Market at the Seed Festival, Credit: Yu Yin

The Power for Change 
The Fellows had the chance to speak with the festival’s lead organizer, who shared the story of its origins 25 years ago. The festival was born out of two major challenges: 

  1. The Green Revolution: In the 1980s, the government promoted hybrid seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides as symbols of modernization. Initially, farmers resisted, but government propaganda promising higher yields and profits, coupled with programs that exchanged traditional seeds for hybrids, led to widespread adoption. Over time, this shift reduced seed diversity. 

  1. Modern Rice Mills: The introduction of modern rice mills, which only accepted rice of specific sizes, further discouraged the cultivation of diverse rice varieties. 

These changes severely impacted seed diversity, but the consequences soon became apparent. Farmers faced rising debt and health issues, prompting rural development NGOs and local communities to analyze the root causes. They recognized the importance of seed diversity and traditional farming techniques in ensuring sustainable agriculture. This realization sparked the creation of the Seed Festival as a platform to advocate seed sovereignty and promote diverse seed varieties essential for climate resilience. 

The urgency of seed sovereignty grew even stronger when free trade agreements and intellectual property rights began to affect Thailand’s iconic Jasmine rice. The festival has since become a powerful movement to reclaim control over seeds, protect traditional farming practices, and empower farmers to preserve their agricultural heritage. 

Photo: Fellows with leaders from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation. Credit: Yu Yin. 

Connecting Across Borders 
One of the festival’s achievements was its ability to foster regional connections. The Just Future Mekong Fellows joined farmers, researchers, and civil society leaders from Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and beyond to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build relationships. This cross-border collaboration, driven by shared challenges and aspirations, exemplifies the cooperation needed to address regional food security and climate resilience collectively. 

Through dialogues with local farmers, the Fellows gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while embracing innovation. At the heart of these conversations was the recognition that seeds—symbols of cooperation and adaptation—hold the potential to empower future generations and transform agricultural systems sustainably. 

Photo: Fellows having dinners with participants from Myanmar. Credit: Mai Xueying

Charting a Just and Sustainable Future 
For the Just Future Mekong Fellows, the "Young Seed for the Future" Festival was more than a learning experience — it was a source of inspiration and motivation. Their journey to Yasothon Province marked the beginning of their exploration of Thai civil society and sustainability, laying a strong foundation for understanding the strengths and struggles of Thai rural communities in navigating the challenges of the modern agricultural sector. 

As the Fellows continue their journey across Thailand and the Mekong region, the lessons from the festival will serve as a cornerstone for their future endeavors. Events like this highlight the power of collaboration, community, and culture in achieving sustainable solutions. 

In a world facing complex agricultural and environmental challenges, the message from Yasothon Province is clear: the seeds we plant today—both literally and metaphorically—will shape the future we cultivate tomorrow. By fostering regional cooperation and embracing grassroots knowledge, initiatives like the Seed Festival inspire hope for a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable future. 

WORKSHOP: Turning Knowledge into Action for Green Transformation: "First Workshop for Just Futures Mekong Fellowship Program"

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By Yu Yin, Fellowship Coordinator, Center for Social Development Studies CSDS

In early February 2025, the Center for Social Development Studies organized a dynamic 5-day workshop for the Just Future Mekong Fellows and their research partners on research design. The goal of the workshop was to provide participants with the skills, knowledge, and strategies they need to create real, sustainable change through collaborative research and practical action. Over the course of a week, the workshop guided participants through key concepts in research design, sustainability practices, and real-world problem-solving, while also offering hands-on learning experiences, including visits to the programs partnering Thai host organizations. 

The workshop opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Thanapan Laiprakobsup, Vice Dean for Research at Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Political Science. His words set the tone for the Just Futures Mekong Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to promote justice and sustainability in Thailand and across the Mekong Region. The fellowship itself spans six months, during which each fellow teams up with a research partner from a host organization to co-develop research projects that align with the organization’s goals. These projects aim to not only address pressing sustainability challenges but also deliver tangible contributions to policy and practice in the region. 

Three Days Interactive Classroom Workshops 

We had three days dedicated to an immersive classroom experience, where participants engaged in informative lectures from the program lead, Dr. Carl Middleton. Based on the lectures, fellows had dynamic discussions on their research topics and collaboratively worked with their research buddies to co-design the research. The sessions were structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of research design and its role in advancing sustainability transformation and work on their research design step by step.  

The workshop commenced with an introduction to its overarching goals: to foster co-produced knowledge, enhance research design skills, and bridge the gap between academic research and practical sustainability solutions. Participants were encouraged to think critically about how their work can contribute to systemic change. The objectives were to build the capacity of research fellows and research buddies to undertake design and co-produced research; produce a draft research design to be finalized post-workshop in collaboration with the partner organization and mentor; and cultivate a community of shared learning across the fellowship cohort and partner organizations. 

Co-Produced Knowledge for Sustainability Transformation 

A key theme of the workshop was the importance of co-production in research. Several different kinds of knowledge production were introduced, ranging from that of government policy makers to local communities, to explore design thinking and knowledge co-production for sustainability research, which begins with a shared understanding of research problem between actors and shared definition of research question and design, and includes context-based, pluralistic, goal-oriented and interactive elements.  

Fellows discussed their experiences in engaging stakeholders, communities, and practitioners, which can lead to more impactful and contextual outcomes. Case studies and group discussions highlighted the value of integrating diverse perspectives into the research process. 

The research framework was also introduced including the role of concepts in research, how to formulate research questions, how to search for relevant literature, the types of research tools available, and the meaning of analysis and triangulation. Each of these subjects was followed by time for fellows’ exercises, presentations, and feedback. The workshop also covered discussions on research ethics, theories of change, and its connection to research for development.  

The process not only enabled fellows and research partners to learn and develop the research design, but it also strengthened the collaboration between research fellows and their researcher buddies, instilling confidence for future research work. 

Organizational Visits 

The workshop dedicated two days to meeting with local host organizations involved in the fellowship program. There are five organizations in total: Local Alike, the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation, the Sustainable Development Foundation, Toward Organic Asia, and the Climate Finance Network Thailand. Although they all work on promoting sustainability in Thailand, their fields of operation and approaches are quite different, representing the diversity of civil society in Thailand. 

Local Alike   

Our first stop was Local Alike, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering local communities through sustainable community-based tourism. During the visit, they shared their approach to engaging with communities, which involves enhancing their understanding of sustainable practices, identifying unique tourism highlights, and building their capacity in hospitality and tourism management. The marketing team at Local Alike plays a crucial role in promoting these community-based tourism activities to both domestic and international audiences, ensuring wider visibility and participation. In addition to generating income through community tours, Local Alike also offers professional services to government agencies and consulting for companies interested in community-based tourism development. This multifaceted approach positions Local Alike as a model for sustainable tourism, demonstrating how it can empower communities, foster skill development, and create sustainable economic opportunities. By integrating community engagement, capacity-building, and strategic marketing, they not only deliver authentic tourism experiences but also contribute to the long-term resilience and growth of local economies. Their innovative methods underscore the transformative potential of community-driven tourism initiatives. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow aims to delve deeper into Local Alike’s community-based tourism model, analyzing their strategies for community engagement, capacity-building, and marketing to identify opportunities within the Chinese tourist market. The research will also explore how community-based tourism contributes to sustainable community development in the long term, examining both the short-term experiences and long-term lessons learned. By understanding these dynamics, the fellow seeks to uncover insights that can enhance the promotion of such tourism experiences to Chinese travelers while supporting the enduring empowerment and resilience of local communities in Thailand. 

Fellows visit with sdf

Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF) 

Our next destination was the Sustainable Development Foundation (SDF), a Thai NGO established in 1996. The foundation operates from a spacious three-floor building equipped with offices, a library, meeting rooms, a tranquil garden, and accommodation for field staff. 

SDF is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities reliant on natural resources by securing their rights and promoting sustainable ecosystem management. Its mission is to reduce inequality and ensure fairness in natural resource and environmental governance. The foundation collaborates with local fishermen, farmers, forest dwellers, and upland communities to conserve and restore natural resources while advocating for inclusive development and good governance through grassroots policy influence. SDF’s Bangkok office focuses on sustainable coastal environment protection and social justice initiatives for fishing communities, while its Chiang Mai office works with forest dwellers and upland communities on their rights to natural resources and community-based forest protection. Additionally, SDF adopts a gender-sensitive approach, implementing projects that address gender equality and empower women. By raising awareness of gender roles and inequality, the foundation encourages women to actively participate in their communities, economic activities, and natural resource management, fostering a more equitable and sustainable future. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow will work with SDF staff to explore the housing rights of coastal communities, particularly those living on the water in estuary areas. Additionally, the fellow will study how these communities actively engage in advocating for their rights to protect natural resources and preserve their traditional fishing practices. The fellow will do her research as a short film documentary, which aims to highlight the challenges and resilience of these communities in safeguarding their livelihoods and cultural heritage. 

Sustainable Agriculture Foundation 

The Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (Thailand) (SAF), established in 1998, is a pioneering organization dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture as a pathway to self-reliance for farmers and communities amidst the challenges of globalization. Located in the suburbs, SAF shares its office space with other organizations and is renowned for its expansive permaculture vegetable garden, which serves as a hub for innovative farming practices and agroecological principles aimed at enhancing food security and environmental resilience. Initially focused on pilot projects to demonstrate sustainable practices, SAF has evolved to emphasize participatory research, knowledge development, and the integration of sustainable agriculture into broader food systems and policies. The foundation actively advocates farmer empowerment, fosters collaboration with related organizations, and works to build institutional capacity in sustainable agriculture. It also engages diverse societal groups, including the younger generation, to cultivate awareness and acceptance of sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing critical issues such as climate change adaptation and strengthening farmer-consumer relationships, SAF strives to transition society towards sustainable agriculture and food safety, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. 

The Future Just Mekong fellow will collaborate with SAF staff in Nong Tao Village, Mae Wang District, Chiangmai to understand the climate challenges and adaptation strategies of Karen coffee growers, while recognizing that ethnic communities in forest and mountain areas face a complex web of issues beyond climate impacts. These include land rights, preserving traditional ways of life, navigating livelihood choices, and grappling with the dilemmas posed by the current economic model and their deeply held beliefs. This fellowship aims to provide an opportunity to explore these interconnected issues within the context of SAF's broader mission to transition society towards sustainable agriculture and food safety. 

fellows visit with cfnt

Climate Finance Network Thailand 

The Climate Finance Network Thailand (CFNT) is a think tank committed to advancing sustainable financial practices and fostering a transition to a low-carbon economy, consistently championing the integration of climate considerations into financial decision-making. Established in 2024, CFNT is the youngest among the five host organizations but has quickly made its mark by assembling a team of dedicated professionals and collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders, from investors to regulators. Together, they aim to provide independent, professional and critical research and voice out to Thailand’s financial sector to be resilient and responsive to the challenges and opportunities posed by climate change. 

Led by Ms. Sarinee Achavanuntakul, a prominent Thai public intellectual known for her work on sustainability, social justice, and the intersection of finance with climate change and biodiversity, CFNT has already produced impactful research. This includes studies on the risks of continued investment in Oil & Gas, critiques and recommendations for the Thailand Power Development Plan 2024, and the potential of crowdfunding for residential solar installations. 

Building on this foundation, the Future Just Mekong fellow will collaborate with the CFNT team to explore Chinese renewable energy investments in Thailand, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This research will examine whether and how such investments can contribute to an just energy transition, ensuring that the shift to renewable energy is equitable, inclusive, and aligned with broader climate goals. By integrating insights from CFNT’s expertise and networks, this collaboration aims to provide actionable recommendations for fostering sustainable and just energy transitions in Thailand and beyond.    

Towards Organic Asia 

Finally, the fellows visited Towards Organic Asia (TOA), a small yet impactful organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among organic agriculture cooperatives and networks across the Mekong region. Established in 2011, TOA envisions a future rooted in community spirit, economic sufficiency, and environmental stewardship, guided by the principles of organic agriculture and agroecology. To achieve this, TOA operates through four interconnected areas of focus: Training, which builds capacity and knowledge; Technology, which explores and adapts sustainable solutions; Advocacy, which champions policies supporting organic agriculture; and Youth, which engages and empowers the next generation of farmers and advocates. These areas represent concrete actions aimed at translating TOA’s vision into tangible outcomes. 

TOA brings together diverse stakeholders, fostering shared understanding and cooperation in agroecology and social wellbeing. Its ultimate goal is to construct sustainable food systems that generate positive environmental, social, economic, and political impacts. 

The Just Futures Mekong fellow will collaborate with TOA’s research buddy to focus on young farmers’ engagement in grassroots innovation. Together, they will study the challenges of seed sovereignty, as well as the adaptability and obstacles faced by young farmers working in organic agriculture, particularly in developing sustainable seeds. This work aims to strengthen regional seed sovereignty and agroecological systems, ensuring their resilience and long-term viability. This partnership aligns with TOA’s mission to empower communities and build resilient, sustainable food systems for the future, fostering environmental stewardship and economic sufficiency across the Mekong region. 

Conclusion 

Reflecting on the first workshop, we are reminded of the power of collaboration and the urgent need for transformative action to address the pressing challenges of our time. The insights gained from the workshop will undoubtedly inform and inspire the work of all fellows and research buddies as they continue their research work that contribute to a more sustainable and just future. All involved in the fellowship program hope to pave the way for a future that harmonizes environmental stewardship, economic sufficiency, and social wellbeing, ensuring a more equitable and thriving world for generations to come. 

EVENT [RESOURCES]: “Southeast Asia Vulnerable Deltas Workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii State, United States of America [17th- 20th March 2025]”

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From March 17th to 20th 2025, CSDS and MAIDS- GRID joined the workshop in Honolulu, Hawaii at East- West Center. 

The team from CSDS (Orapan Pratomlek and Thiri), Graduate Students from MAIDS- GRID, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University (Peerawith Meebon and Thu Thu Aung) and Kevin Woods from the East West Center shared updates on the research project “The Political Ecology of Migration from Myanmar to Bangkok”, which is part of the collaborative project “Vulnerable Deltas in Southeast Asia: Climate Change, Water Pollution, and Socio- Economic Transformation”. 

The full four day workshop included mini-workshops on story-telling and infographics, a field visit to Hauʻula on the North Shore to learn about community resilience to climate challenges, and sharing project updates and planning.

For more information about the project, you can visit the CSDS website here.

EVENT [RESOURCES]: “Southeast Asia Vulnerable Deltas Workshop in Samarinda, Indonesia [4th- 7th December 2023]”

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From December 4th to 7th 2023, CSDS and MAIDS- GRID joined the workshop in Samarinda, Indonesia.

Thiri from CSDS and Graduate Students from MAIDS- GRID, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University (Hnin Ei Ei Naing, Thu Thu Aung, Khin Yamone Zaw, Rachada Buranasiri, Peerawith Meebon) gathered at the Universitas Mulawarman with academics, graduate students, and practitioners from several universities and institutions from five countries (Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia) to update on the collaborative project “Vulnerable Deltas in Southeast Asia: Climate Change, Water Pollution, and Socio-Economic Transformation.” 

The full four day workshop included project coordination activities, student presentations and field visits to Tani Baru and Muara Pantuan Villages.

For more information about the project, you can visit the CSDS website here.

EVENT [RESOURCES]: "Climate Change Migration in Southeast Asia"

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On Feb 1, 2025, Carl Middleton from CSDS was invited to be one of the speakers for a webinar: “Climate Change Migration in Southeast Asia at UH Mānoa Center for Southeast Asian Studies”. 

The full panelists of the event are:

  • Dr. Carl Middleton, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University 

  • Dr. Mokbul Morshed Ahmad, Professor and Head of Department of Development and Sustainability, Asian Institute of Technology

  • Melinda Martinus, Lead Researcher, Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, Yusof Ishak Institute 

Moderator: Sopheak Chant, Visiting Fellow, Michigan State University

A recorded video can be found here.

EVENT (RESOURCES): International Migrants Day, Bangkok, Thailand [15th December 2023]

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On 15 December 2023, CSDS and MAIDS-GRID joined the International Migrants Day. The presentation title was “Climate change, agrarian change and conflict: A scoping study on recent migration between Myanmar and Thailand”.

Further details on the program of the launch can be found here.

A recording of the full program can be viewed here.

EVENT (RESOURCES): WriteShop on “Shifting Development Cooperation in Southeast Asia: Understanding Local Voice and Agency [27 and 28 March 2023]

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WriteShop on “Shifting Practices and Experiences of Development Cooperation in Southeast Asia: Understanding Local Voice and Agency”

Introduction

Since the new Millennium, the development cooperation landscape has drastically changed in Southeast Asia. Actors providing, receiving, influencing and affected by development cooperation have diversified. So too has the forms and tools of development cooperation, for example South-South cooperation including by China and India, climate funds, philanthropic foundations, and global vertical funds (Mawdsley 2017). The financial volume of new contributions has grown to outpace that of earlier Western donors. Such a shift has led to what Greenhill et al. (2013) describe as a new ‘age of choice’ in which countries of the Global South are provided with a range of development cooperation options to choose from for financing their development. Yet, in reality, the variety of opportunities differ greatly between countries in the Global South, depending on their economic/ geopolitical ‘credentials’ (Fuchs and Quante 2021; Waisbich et al. 2021). Furthermore, as donors pursue their (national) interests through development cooperation, so-called 'donor competition' has intensified (Fuchs et al. 2013), including in Southeast Asia in recent years (Liao and Dang 2020; Liao and Katada 2021).

Existing development studies literature on donor competition predominantly focuses on the accounts of financiers and providers, for example their motivations and processes of competition. Far less attention is paid to the perspectives and agency of local actors in Southeast Asia, including the diverse voices within governments, as well as civil society and impacted communities (see Sato et al. 2011). As a consequence, less is studied on how local actors evaluate and understand the shifting practices and experiences of development cooperation in Southeast Asia: and in particular,  how they see opportunities and challenges within the changing development cooperation landscape to address what they define as their development challenges – and the very meaning of ‘development’. Exploring the local voice and agency in development cooperation is salient at this critical juncture as the crises of climate shock, pandemic, and the war in Ukraine have not only aggravated existing development challenges in the region but also shape the very dynamic development cooperation landscape in the region.

WriteShop program

This WriteShop hosted paper presentations submitted to the earlier call for papers (here for full details). The full program was as follows:

Field visit

The WriteShop participants were invited to a community field visit to Khun Samut Chin village, Samut Prakarn Province. The field visit offered the opportunity to learn about coastal erosion and land subsidence, and the impacts on residing communities including regarding land rights, access to natural resources, and forced displacement.

[EVENT RESOURCES] : Transdisciplinarity for Global Sustainable Development [24 January 2023]

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This event was co- organized by M.A. and Ph.D. Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID) and Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University; School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick; and Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy.

Speakers

Opening remarks:

  • Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittiang, Assistant Dean for International Affairs and Director of the M.A. and Ph.D. Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS-GRID)

Speakers:

  • Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon, Associate Professor and Director of Asian Research Center for Migration (ARCM), Chulalongkorn University

  • Dr. Marta Guerriero, Associate Professor and Head of International Partnerships, Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

  • Dr. Carl Middleton, Assistant Professor and Director of Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

Chair:

  • Dr. Jessica Savage-Wilkes, Associate Professor, Global Sustainable Development, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

Concluding remarks:

  • Dr. Stephanie Panichelli, Professor and Head of School, School for Cross-faculty Studies, The University of Warwick

A recorded video can be found here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : “Land into Capital” book launch and discussion [6 December 2022]

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On December 6, CSDS hosted a book launch and discussion. The book title is “Land into Capital”. Carl Middleton from CSDS is the chapter author of the book.

Commentator:

  • Dr. Pasuk Phongpaichit is an Emeritus Professor in Political Economy with the Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Thailand, and co-laureate of the Fukuoka Grand Prize, 2017. Professor Pasuk’s publications include: Unequal Thailand (2016); We the People Revolutionize Tax for Equality (2020) and Land Governance in Thailand (forthcoming in 2023).

 

Moderator:

  • Dr. Naruemon Thabchumpon is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, and Director of the Asian Research Center for Migration

Book editors/ chapter authors

  • Dr. Philip Hirsch is an Emeritus Professor in human geography at the University of Sydney and coauthor of Powers of Exclusion: Land Dilemmas in Southeast Asia

  • Dr. Kevin Woods is a Fellow at the East-West Center in Honolulu.

  • Natalia Scurrah is an independent researcher based in Thailand and coauthor of The Mekong: A Sociolegal Approach to River Basin Development.

 

Chapter author

  • Dr. Carl Middleton is Director of the Center for Social Development Studies and Deputy Director on the MA and PhD graduate program in International Development Studies in the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

A recorded video can be found here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Towards a Green and Just Recovery in Southeast Asia [28 November 2022]

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This was a public seminar in person co- organized by the Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Chulalongkorn University; Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy; and China Dialogue Trust.

Please see the full agenda here.

A recorded vide can be found here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Climate Change, Mobility and Human Rights [24 November 2022]

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On November 24, CSDS and RWI collaborated for the hybrid seminar on “Climate Change, Mobility and Human Rights: ‘Slow-onset’ Environmental Change and Displacement in the Mekong Region”.

This full day hybrid public seminar addressed the following questions, with a focus on mainland Southeast Asia.

  • How are climate change, people’s mobility and human rights connected?

  • What is the experience on the ground?

  • Is current law and policy adequate to address emerging vulnerabilities, especially regarding ‘slow onset’ environmental change?

  • What are the actionable polices and on-the-ground approaches to protect and promote human rights?

  • What are the implications for ‘loss and damage’ claims and climate justice?

For more information about the event, you can visit the CSDS website here and you can watch the full seminar here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Commoning water(s): Resources, Services and Ecological Justice in Asia [26 October 2022]

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This event was co- organized by Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Chulalongkorn University; Chulalongkorn University UNESCO Chair in Resource Governance and Futures Literacy; SustainAsia; Research Institute on Contemporary Southeast Asia (IRASEC); Institute of Political Sciences (Sciences Po) Toulouse; and Heinrich Böll Foundation.

Our panelists are:

  • Dr. Apisom Intralawan, Institute for the Study of Natural Resource Management and Environmental Management, Mae Fah Luang University

  • Prof. Dr. Catherine Baron, Sciences Po Toulouse

  • Karen Delfau, PhD candidate at Sciences Po Toulouse

  • Dr. Anindrya Nastiti, Institut Teknologi Bandung

  • Phong Huynh, Deputy Project Manager, GRET (Laos)

The panel was moderated by Gabriel Facal, IRASEC Deputy Director.

Please see the full event below.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Pathways to a Sustainable and Just Transformation of the Mekong Region’s Electricity Sector [Bangkok, 2 June 2022]

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On Thursday, 2nd June 2022, CSDS co- organized with Chulalongkorn University and the Australia – Mekong Partnership for Environmental Resources and Energy Systems (AMPERES) for report launch and discussion on “Pathways to a Sustainable and Just Transformation of the Mekong Region’s Electricity Sector”.

The event covered the following questions:

Rethinking electricity narratives: How are different electricity options narrated and justified? How do they reflect visions for the electricity transformation? What are the implications for a just electricity transformation in the region?

Rethinking electricity planning: Beyond changes in generation technology, in what ways could/should electricity systems in the region change in the near future? What are the challenges and opportunities to do so? What are the economic, social and environmental implications?

Rethinking scale and design: Why does scale matter in electricity planning and practice? Are different scaled technologies and practices mutually exclusive options? What are the trends and the region and what are the consequences?

Please see the full agenda here. Please view the final report here.

You can watch the full discussion here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Embracing Multiple Water Worlds: Policy and Practice of Water Governance in Thailand and Beyond [Online, 31 May 2022 ]

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This event was co- hosted by The Regional Center for Social Science and Sustainable Development, Chiang Mai University (RCSD); Chulalongkorn University Social Research Institute (CUSRI); Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, Chulalongkorn University; Center for Social Development Studies, Chulalongkorn University (CSDS); College of Politics and Governance , Mahasarakham University; Faculty of Science and Social Sciences, Burapha University Sakaeo Campus.

This seminar shared recent research on the water policy and practices and its impacts especially on community livelihoods and culture in Thailand, and to contextualize the findings by engaging in discussion with innovative approaches beyond Thailand.

Please see the panel and more information here.

A recording of the full event can be found here.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Re-thinking International Development: Towards Co-Creation of Knowledge and Future for Global Commons [Online, 4 March 2022]

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CSDS collaborated with Chulalongkorn Futures Literacy and Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University for a panel discussion for Chulalongkorn University’s Futures Literacy Week.

The full event panels are:

Panelists;

  • Prof. Dr. Jin Sato, Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, University of Tokyo; President, Japan Society for International Development                                                                                                                      

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mandy Sadan, Director of the Graduate Taught Programmes in Global Sustainable Development, University of Warwick                                                                                                           

  • Mr. Hermes Huang, Design Thinking Practitioner, Co-Founder, InsightPact

 

Moderator;

  • Dr. Bhanubhatra Jittang, Director, MAIDS-GRID, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

The full event can be found below.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : A Bridge Over Troubled Water: Anticipating and Reimagining the Future of Rivers in Southeast Asia [Online, 4 March 2022]

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Carl Middleton from CSDS was the moderator for a panel discussion on “A Bridge Over Troubled Water: Anticipating and Reimagining the Future of Rivers in Southeast Asia”. This was a panel for the International Conference of Chulalongkorn University’s Futures Literacy Week. You can find more information about Chulalongkorn’s University Futures Literacy here.

The full panelist for the event are:

  • Chol Bunnag, Assistant Professor and Director, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)                   

  • Pianporn Deetes, Thailand and Myanmar Campaigns Director, International Rivers                                                                                            

  • Saw John Bright, Water Program Manager, Karen Environmental and Social Action Network (KESAN)                                                      

  • Raymond Yu Wang, Associate Professor, Center for Social Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology                                                                                             

  • Tarek Ketelsen, Director General, Australia – Mekong Partnership for Environmental Resources and Energy Systems (AMPERES)                                                                                                       

  • Yong Ming Li, Fellow, East West Center

Moderator

  • Carl Middleton, Director, Center for Social Development Studies, Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University

The full event is below.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : A Futures Literacy Lab on Climate Change, Climate Action and Climate Justice: What did we discover and what next? [Online, 4 March 2022]

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CSDS was the co- organizer for a panel discussion on climate change, climate action and climate justice on Chulalongkorn University Futures Literacy week. Co- designers and facilitators shared what they learned and what will be next.

See the full panel below.

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Report on the UN climate change conference and the impact of climate change on migration in Southeast Asia [Online 25 November, 2021]

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Carl Middleton from CSDS was one of the speakers for the online webinar organized by Metropolis Asia-Pacific titled “Report on the UN Climate Change Conference and the Impact of Climate Change on Migration in South East Asia”.

The full panelist for the event are:

Opening remarks: Imelda M. Nicolas, Former Cabinet Secretary, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Co- convener, Metropolis- Asia

Moderator:                                                                                                                            Tasneen Sidiqui, University of Dhaka, Banglades

Closing Remarks:                                                Binod Khadria, Former Professor, Jwaharlal Nehru Univ, Indida, Co- convener, Metropolis- Aisa

Speakers:                                                                                                                          Ouvais Samad, Deputy Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), Bonn, Germany                                               Kristin Marie Dadey, Chief of Mission, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Manila, Philippines                                                         Carl Middleton, Director, Center for Social Development Studies (CSDS), Chulalaongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand

A recording of the event can be found here

EVENT [RESOURCES] : Southeast Asia's challenges to sustainable and inclusive development [Online, 1 October 2021]

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Carl Middleton from CSDS was one of the speakers for the online discussion on how biodiversity in the Mekong Basin can be protected, despite its constant evolution, notably through integrated management and community-based approaches.

This event was organized by Agence Française de Développement.

Speakers :

  • Anoulak Kittikhoun, Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer, Mekong River Commission

  • Carl Middleton, Director at the Center for Social Development Studies, Chulalungkorn University (TH)

  • Jake Brunner, Head of IndoBurma Group, IUCN

The full video is below: