The International Women’s Club of Thailand, Morganna Love and two foundations stand open for the vulnerable.

The Chao Phraya has seen centuries pass. Trade boats and royal barges, monsoons and dry seasons, the whole messy beautiful sweep of Bangkok becoming itself. 

And on 13 November, as the river keeps moving and carrying stories downstream, one worth lingering on is unfolding at Supatra River House.

The International Women’s Club of Thailand, led by Diana Foo, is hosting Sunset at the Chao Phraya. It’s a gala that knows exactly what it is. Wine from ITHAI flowing from 5 PM. Everyone in black. Weathered teak and river views. And underneath it all: this evening exists to fund real, tangible help for women and children who need it.

The Chao Phraya has witnessed so much over the centuries, trade and ceremony, heartbreak and hope. But perhaps not quite this. A Mexican opera singer who found herself in Thailand, returning to sing for foundations that help women and children find themselves.

And at 6 PM, as the light turns golden over the water, Morganna Love takes the night in songs.

Made in Bangkok, Now Her Voice Crosses Oceans

Thirteen years ago, Morganna Love came to Thailand for the first time. She was already an acclaimed countertenor who had won all the contests, studied opera at Mexico’s Conservatorio Nacional de Música, and performed on the country’s most important stage, the Palace of Fine Arts in Mexico City.

But inside, behind all that applause, it was dark.

“I got this horrible depression and I didn’t want to go to work, eat or sing. I lost my love for living.”

Art kept her alive during those years. “The moments where I was singing or writing were my only freedom moments. Art releases life’s pressure.”

Thailand became part of her healing. A documentary Made in Bangkok captured her transition here with the help of Thai doctors. Ask her now what a sequel might show, and she doesn’t hesitate:

“I would love to share my inner peace. I’d love to show people that when you are who you really are, you get the inner peace. For me it was always about peace. My mind is now in peace, because my body is in peace.”

That peace didn’t come from hiding. It came from standing in the truth of who she is. Which is exactly what she’ll be doing on 13 November, centre stage at Supatra River House, using her voice to create what she calls “artivism”.

Where Art Meets Action, Hearts Move

Listen to how she describes her work:

“In all my concerts, all my dubbing voice actress work and all my roles at movies or TV shows, there’s always mention of love, self love, freedom, dreams coming true, equality, inclusion.” 

She doesn’t accept jobs where she can’t talk about diversity or equality:

“To give visibility and sensitisation to society about trans women, through art, culture and entertainment, is what I love to do.”

Forbes México named her one of the country’s 100 most powerful women in 2020. Balancing artistry with that kind of visibility was tough at first, but she’s found her way.

“I think the best way to earn people’s respect is to focus on your own work, getting better, and not forcing anyone to respect or include you. Over time, society will give you your due. And if it doesn’t happen, you just move on. Words convince, but example sweeps away.”

Her album Dos Vidas en Una bridges her two worlds: opera and pop, classical technique and human instinct. She’s a Gemini, she laughs, so she’ll always love both sides of the coin. But she’s done with labels now:

“Labels are for things, not for humans. At this point in my life, art and creativity are more important. Helping people, creating songs that speak of love and freedom, acting out characters that make people reflect and feel, singing and moving those who listen to me… That’s what I’ve seen works best to move people’s hearts.”

The Way Back Feels Like a Beginning, All in Thailand

Morganna is here because the International Women’s Club’s Diana Foo invited her to sing at the gala.

“I said yes, because I needed to give back to Thailand a little of what it has done for me.”

She talks about the women she’s met these past weeks with warmth: Stephanie, Niru, Joy, Cora, Lov, Yia.

“They are extraordinary women, and I am honoured to share this journey with them.”

She means what this evening supports. “I am so proud of these women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting these past few weeks. Of the work they do to create a more equitable and just society. Less violent. More empathic.”

The Pavena Foundation and The Good Shepherd Sisters do the kind of work that doesn’t make constant headlines. They don’t care either way, but it changes everything. Really, everything.

Pavena Hongsakul’s Foundation runs on the belief that people can become something better than their circumstances when given a chance. Their emergency line, 1134, is there for women and children in crisis. Legal rights explained, safe passage arranged, proof that being a victim doesn’t have to be permanent.

The Good Shepherd Sisters have been in Bangkok since 1965, running a shelter in Din Daeng for women and children escaping violence, trafficking and poverty’s very sharp edges. Sister Louise Horgan says they offer a place to “learn and thrive”. It sounds modest until you think about what it takes to build that kind of trust with someone who’s been given every reason not to believe in shelter.

“Let Them…” ––That’s What She Hopes For

Morganna has lost friends in the trans community. She knows what needs to change.

“I believe some of the most important things are people respecting trans and non binary people, men and women, realising that we exist, that we’re not a joke or a sex object, ensuring that the laws protect us and deliver justice, and implementing public policies to educate children from a young age that we are all different human beings, and that our differences enrich countries and societies.”

She watches younger generations growing up with healthier minds, more empathy. What does she hope to see in 10 years? “That everyone can express themselves however they want and be happy. Happy people make happy societies.”

To young trans or queer artists just starting out, she says:

“You go for it! The world belongs to those who believe in themselves, regardless of their appearance or who they are. Art is worth experiencing. Let them prepare themselves, let them study, let them observe those who have done important things, and let them learn.”

The River Keeps Moving, the Foundation Keeps Listening, and the Sisters Keep Their Doors Open

By 7pm on 13 November, the first of 15 Thai dishes will appear at Supatra River House. The silent auction will be under way. The wine will be flowing. Morganna’s voice will be carrying across the water.

Tickets are 4,500 baht. Everything raised goes directly to the two foundations. Sponsors include FABB, ITHAI Wine, MedConsult, Renalae and Gold Master.

Morganna is in Bangkok now, creating her new album, manifesting film and TV work, learning to let go a little.

“I’ve realised that when you cling to something, you miss out on much better things.”

But she’s also here for something deliberate: to stand by a river that was part of her story and sing for women doing quiet, difficult work for others.

This is one night that will get rent paid, legal fees covered, a kid staying in school, a woman getting out. 

Come Friday, you’ll remember her voice and how the sunset looked. But you’ll also know you were part of something that kept going after the evening ended. You’ll know that art does what Morganna says it does. It releases pressure, creates freedom, moves hearts.

“Lastly, I would like to share that when you get through your most huge fears… you get amazing adventures. It’s all about being brave.”

Sunset at the Chao Phraya
13 November 2025, 5:00 PM
Supatra River House
Tickets: 4,500 baht

All proceeds benefit the Pavena Foundation for Children & Women and The Good Shepherd Sisters Bangkok.