Susan Cunningham
@susancunningham.bsky.social
Writer, editor, reporter, swimmer. Tech, culture, travel. Asia know-it-all.
Pinned
My #whiteLotus #thailand story for #fodors was cut a lot. Well, there are 4 hotels on 2 islands! Besides Four Seasons #KohSamui, island's Anantara BoPhut (pix of its entrance) and Anantara Lawana play parts. On #Phuket, there are lagoons & spa of Anantara Mai Khao.
fodors.com/.../where-wa....
fodors.com/.../where-wa....
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
a fun thing from a class I'm guest teaching tomorrow: which of these will turn out OK for you, and which will be a disaster? (they're all from a single Chinese city between 2010 and 2022)
December 3, 2025 at 8:11 PM
a fun thing from a class I'm guest teaching tomorrow: which of these will turn out OK for you, and which will be a disaster? (they're all from a single Chinese city between 2010 and 2022)
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
As a thought exercise, is there a money-trench-dwelling, market-rigging, child-fucking greedwhore somewhere in federal custody that stands no chance whatsoever of being pardoned by this president?
December 3, 2025 at 8:08 AM
As a thought exercise, is there a money-trench-dwelling, market-rigging, child-fucking greedwhore somewhere in federal custody that stands no chance whatsoever of being pardoned by this president?
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
BREAKING: Lizza drop of Olivia Nuzzi's alleged strategy memo for RFK Jr.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Olivia's Strategy Memo to Bobby
'You are Rocky while the other candidates are Rocky and Bullwinkle.'
substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:19 AM
BREAKING: Lizza drop of Olivia Nuzzi's alleged strategy memo for RFK Jr.
substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com/home/post/p-...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
December 2, 2025 at 7:04 AM
The transfer of #thailand's Bangkok Remand Prison chief has pulled back the curtain on how wealthy “Grey Chinese” inmates allegedly turned parts of the facility into a private paradise, complete with luxury perks, contraband and protected zones. #China #scam www.nationthailand.com/news/general...
“Grey Chinese” crime bosses exposed as VVIPs inside Bangkok prison, sparking urgent shake-up
A secret raid has uncovered how wealthy Chinese inmates allegedly turned parts of Bangkok Remand Prison into a private paradise, prompting a major shake-up
www.nationthailand.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:18 PM
The transfer of #thailand's Bangkok Remand Prison chief has pulled back the curtain on how wealthy “Grey Chinese” inmates allegedly turned parts of the facility into a private paradise, complete with luxury perks, contraband and protected zones. #China #scam www.nationthailand.com/news/general...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
There's something spiteful and contemptuous about the way Netflix refuses to give a halfway decent theatrical release to creatively ambitious films by brand-name directors. Like they're trying to make sure we all know that they hate doing it.
December 1, 2025 at 6:37 AM
There's something spiteful and contemptuous about the way Netflix refuses to give a halfway decent theatrical release to creatively ambitious films by brand-name directors. Like they're trying to make sure we all know that they hate doing it.
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Breaking news: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s top aide and closest confidant — who also served as lead negotiator in talks with U.S. officials to reach a peace plan to end Russia’s war — resigned Friday amid a widening corruption probe.
Zelensky’s top aide, lead negotiator resigns amid corruption probe
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine’s presidential office, had emerged as one of the most contentious and powerful figures in the country.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Breaking news: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s top aide and closest confidant — who also served as lead negotiator in talks with U.S. officials to reach a peace plan to end Russia’s war — resigned Friday amid a widening corruption probe.
Officials are scrutinizing how #bamboo #scaffolding and other construction materials, including plastic netting and foam panels, ignited and contributed to the rapid Tai Po fire spread. Approximately 2,500 bamboo scaffolders are registered in #HongKong. news.ssbcrack.com/deadly-hong-...
Deadly Hong Kong Fire Sparks Outcry Over Bamboo Scaffolding Safety - SSBCrack News
A catastrophic fire at a residential complex in Hong Kong has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 94 lives, raising urgent questions about the safety and
news.ssbcrack.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Officials are scrutinizing how #bamboo #scaffolding and other construction materials, including plastic netting and foam panels, ignited and contributed to the rapid Tai Po fire spread. Approximately 2,500 bamboo scaffolders are registered in #HongKong. news.ssbcrack.com/deadly-hong-...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Spent a little time looking at CGTN's influencer studios. How they operate. Some tricks they use, and how it is helping shape the outlet's future digital strategy.
CGTN and its influencer studios
Social media sleeper accounts. Evading Facebook advertising rules. Teaching university lectures. These are some ways China's biggest media outlet is advancing its propaganda aims.
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:32 AM
Spent a little time looking at CGTN's influencer studios. How they operate. Some tricks they use, and how it is helping shape the outlet's future digital strategy.
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
A new Chinese law regulating influencer speech has gotten applause from social media users and commentators who want similar policies in their own countries. But the truth is far from what's in the news and it's a sad reflection of our internet and media space.
wenhao.substack.com/p/anatomy-of...
wenhao.substack.com/p/anatomy-of...
Anatomy of a Fake Story
A new Chinese law aimed at reducing misinformation set off global discussion. But nobody got it right.
wenhao.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:39 PM
A new Chinese law regulating influencer speech has gotten applause from social media users and commentators who want similar policies in their own countries. But the truth is far from what's in the news and it's a sad reflection of our internet and media space.
wenhao.substack.com/p/anatomy-of...
wenhao.substack.com/p/anatomy-of...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
The incident of this type that sticks out in my mind are the several times in - I wanna say Hangzhou or Nanjing (maybe both) - that some park/mall rent-a-cops made a huge stink and detained groups of 20-sthing cosplayers for "Dressing Japanese."
They were wearing hanfu.
They were wearing hanfu.
November 26, 2025 at 6:35 AM
The incident of this type that sticks out in my mind are the several times in - I wanna say Hangzhou or Nanjing (maybe both) - that some park/mall rent-a-cops made a huge stink and detained groups of 20-sthing cosplayers for "Dressing Japanese."
They were wearing hanfu.
They were wearing hanfu.
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
British swimmer Simon Holliday became the first person to circumnavigate Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island, a distance of over 65 kilometres, in 20 hours and 56 minutes. The American Edie Hu closely followed, completing her own odyssey of 21 hours and 28 minutes. In full: buff.ly/t1uZrHn
In world first, swimmers conquer 21-hour journey around Lantau
British swimmer Simon Holliday became the first person to circumnavigate Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island, a distance of over 65 kilometres, in 20 hours and 56 minutes. The American Edie Hu closely...
buff.ly
November 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
British swimmer Simon Holliday became the first person to circumnavigate Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island, a distance of over 65 kilometres, in 20 hours and 56 minutes. The American Edie Hu closely followed, completing her own odyssey of 21 hours and 28 minutes. In full: buff.ly/t1uZrHn
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Two noodle vendors "Chuang" & "Tiam" have been charged with Royal Defamation for putting up protest signs in front of their shops with called for the cancellation of section 112 (Lèse-majesté) & calling for the release of political prisoners.
#FreeOurFriends
#FreeOurFriends
Noodle vendors indicted for royal defamation over protest sign
Two noodle vendors have been indicted on a royal defamation charge for putting up protest signs in front of their shops in 2023 calling for the repeal of the royal defamation law and the release of po...
prachataienglish.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Two noodle vendors "Chuang" & "Tiam" have been charged with Royal Defamation for putting up protest signs in front of their shops with called for the cancellation of section 112 (Lèse-majesté) & calling for the release of political prisoners.
#FreeOurFriends
#FreeOurFriends
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
In the realm of getting PNG'd in utter disgrace, there are those who truly swing for the fences by accidentally posting troll content on main...
November 22, 2025 at 6:41 PM
In the realm of getting PNG'd in utter disgrace, there are those who truly swing for the fences by accidentally posting troll content on main...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
The @sltrib.com has been a beacon for large daily newspapers since going nonprofit. Now it's getting ready to drop its paywall. www.sltrib.com/news/2025/11...
The Salt Lake Tribune will drop its paywall next year, CEO tells donors at NewsMakers gala
After years of requiring people to pay for online news content, The Tribune announced an upcoming change during its 2025 annual NewsMakers Gala.
www.sltrib.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The @sltrib.com has been a beacon for large daily newspapers since going nonprofit. Now it's getting ready to drop its paywall. www.sltrib.com/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Did MBS tell Trump he'd ordered Khashoggi killed, and did Trump say he was fine with it? Josh Marshall looks at the evidence and concludes that the answer to both questions is "yes." talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/relea...
Release the Trump-MBS Call About Khashoggi?
Yesterday President Trump met in the Oval Office with Saudi Arabia’s de...
talkingpointsmemo.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Did MBS tell Trump he'd ordered Khashoggi killed, and did Trump say he was fine with it? Josh Marshall looks at the evidence and concludes that the answer to both questions is "yes." talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/relea...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
New at Media Nation: “Things happen” — and for one brief moment, The Washington Post rediscovers its soul. dankennedy.net/2025/11/19/t...
‘Things happen’ — and for one brief moment, The Washington Post rediscovers its soul
The Washington Post’s increasingly Trump-friendly editorial page has rediscovered its soul, however briefly. In a piece published Tuesday afternoon, the Post tears into Donald Trump for his f…
dankennedy.net
November 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM
New at Media Nation: “Things happen” — and for one brief moment, The Washington Post rediscovers its soul. dankennedy.net/2025/11/19/t...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
China underground church pastors arrested, face up to 3 years in jail, NGO head says – Reuters: ‘The remaining 18 detainees were formally arrested and charged with the crime of "illegally using information networks", said Bob Fu, the founder of Christian NGO ChinaAid’
www.reuters.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:03 AM
China underground church pastors arrested, face up to 3 years in jail, NGO head says – Reuters: ‘The remaining 18 detainees were formally arrested and charged with the crime of "illegally using information networks", said Bob Fu, the founder of Christian NGO ChinaAid’
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
this is obscene and evil
Trump suggests Khashoggi had it coming: "You're mentioning someone that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it. You don't have to embarrass our guest."
November 18, 2025 at 5:53 PM
this is obscene and evil
#China #influencer Pei Chung goes into high-end NYC restaurants dressed to the nines, racks up $100s in food, skips on the bill, then posts on #Instagram. Chung disappeared into the bathroom for 45 minutes before allegedly offering a mgr sexual favors to wipe her $146 bill nypost.com/2025/11/18/u...
NYC’s accused dine-and-dash diva busted twice again in 24 hours — while mocking cops
Pei Chung, 34, posted fresh food shots from Sea Thai and the trendy Italian restaurant Misi on Saturday and Sunday.
nypost.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM
#China #influencer Pei Chung goes into high-end NYC restaurants dressed to the nines, racks up $100s in food, skips on the bill, then posts on #Instagram. Chung disappeared into the bathroom for 45 minutes before allegedly offering a mgr sexual favors to wipe her $146 bill nypost.com/2025/11/18/u...
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Yes, your honor, we received and sold stolen goods, but if there was no market for such we wouldn't have done so. Our customers are to blame.
We live in a golden age of shamelessness and grift.
We live in a golden age of shamelessness and grift.
"Sure, our plagiarism machine ingests enormous amounts of copyrighted material without anyone's permission, but it's the users of the machine who are the 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 criminals, your honor." 🙄🙄
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Just unbelievable levels of chutzpah.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
November 14, 2025 at 4:52 AM
Yes, your honor, we received and sold stolen goods, but if there was no market for such we wouldn't have done so. Our customers are to blame.
We live in a golden age of shamelessness and grift.
We live in a golden age of shamelessness and grift.
From January through August of this year, #sovereign wealth funds participated in #AI venture deals worth $46.4 billion overall, with $43.3 billion (over 93%) of this funding going to US startups, according to #PitchBook data. #startups #VC pitchbook.com/news/article... #AbuDhabi #oman
US gets most benefits from sovereign wealth funds' AI investments - PitchBook
Sovereign wealth funds fueled 31% of global AI deal value.
pitchbook.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:14 PM
From January through August of this year, #sovereign wealth funds participated in #AI venture deals worth $46.4 billion overall, with $43.3 billion (over 93%) of this funding going to US startups, according to #PitchBook data. #startups #VC pitchbook.com/news/article... #AbuDhabi #oman
Reposted by Susan Cunningham
Hard, fast rule from a veteran police reporter: Excepting anyone engaged in infiltrating a criminal conspiracy in an undercover capacity, any law officer who hides his identity from the public is a shitheel is doing vile shit and is, in fact, actively destroying the credibility of law enforcement.
November 6, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Hard, fast rule from a veteran police reporter: Excepting anyone engaged in infiltrating a criminal conspiracy in an undercover capacity, any law officer who hides his identity from the public is a shitheel is doing vile shit and is, in fact, actively destroying the credibility of law enforcement.
#thailand's "new Chinatowns" are the wrong investments. "Ordinary Thais increasingly feel excluded from their own cities, while officials and developers continue to chase foreign capital with minimal oversight." asia.nikkei.com/opinion/thai... #immigration #china
Thailand's 'new Chinatowns' bring in the wrong type of investment
Bangkok must find a balance between the lure of foreign capital and the protection of national interests
asia.nikkei.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:58 AM
#thailand's "new Chinatowns" are the wrong investments. "Ordinary Thais increasingly feel excluded from their own cities, while officials and developers continue to chase foreign capital with minimal oversight." asia.nikkei.com/opinion/thai... #immigration #china