James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor, reports live from Bangkok, detailing the aftermath of a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shook Thailand. Yoko Kubota, deputy bureau chief at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the ripple effects of Trump's tariffs on Chinese trade, highlighting manufacturer adaptations. Andrew Tuck, Monocle's editor-in-chief, raises critical questions about media ownership in the UK and its implications for press freedom. The discussions reveal the interconnectedness of natural disasters, economic policies, and media dynamics shaping today’s world.
The recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake has left Bangkok under a state of emergency due to casualties and significant evacuations.
The podcast discusses media ownership concerns in the UK, highlighting tensions between press freedom and foreign investment in local journalism.
Deep dives
Thailand's Earthquake Response
Thailand has declared a state of emergency following a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar near the border. The quake resulted in the collapse of a major building under construction in Bangkok, leading to fatalities and many construction workers being reported trapped. Downtown areas experienced significant evacuations as citizens poured onto the streets, with widespread chaos reported as people sought safety. Despite the destruction, officials stated that Bangkok was largely spared from the quake's worst impacts, with the real devastation expected to emerge from Myanmar, where reports of hundreds of deaths have surfaced.
Impact of Trump's Tariff Policy on Chinese Exports
The introduction of tariffs by the Trump administration has begun to affect China's export industry, particularly as manufacturers face uncertainty about future trade conditions. Export data from early 2025 reveals a slowdown due to businesses preemptively adjusting for the anticipated impact of the tariffs. A recent exhibition in Shenzhen highlighted the challenges faced by Chinese manufacturers, with many considering diversifying their production locations outside China to mitigate tariff effects. Discussions during the event emphasized the complexity of navigating the U.S. market and the difficulties in quickly finding alternative markets to offset the financial ramifications of these tariffs.
Challenges of Foreign Media Ownership in the UK
The UK government is grappling with the implications of foreign ownership of its media, particularly following attempts by an Abu Dhabi investment group to acquire a stake in the Telegraph. Concerns over press freedom and the influence of foreign governments have led to restrictions on foreign investments in UK media companies. However, the situation raises questions about the balance between protecting press freedom and the economic sustainability of local media. The ongoing debate highlights the need for nuanced regulations that allow for diverse ownership while ensuring that media remains a space for independent journalism free from external control.
We get the latest from our Bangkok-based Asia editor, James Chambers, as aftershocks from a huge 7.7 magnitude earthquake continue to rock the Thai capital. Also in the programme: Monocle’s editor in chief, Andrew Tuck, discusses the importance of who owns the media. Plus: a look at the papers in Asia with Tom Webb.