Editors Choice ASEAN Bangkok Event Sports Thailand

License to Win: In Chess and Trade, Every Move Counts 

22nd BCC Open License to Win cover photo

This article was first released in Vision Finland’s Linkedin April 15, 2025 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/license-win-chess-trade-every-move-counts-vision-finland-bpvsc

The 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open 

The Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Bangkok will host the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open on 13–21 April 2025. This premier international chess event is not just a showcase of tactical brilliance—it’s a celebration of quiet intensity, where every move reflects strategic foresight. Those qualities resonate deeply with leaders navigating today’s complex global landscape. Founded and organised by Kai Tuorila, this event has become a cornerstone of international chess excellence in Asia. 

Chess and Leadership: A Strategic Parallel 

Success in chess and leadership hinges on anticipating future scenarios while balancing calculated risks. The Bangkok Chess Club Open is a vivid reminder that resilience and adaptability are critical not only on the board but also in navigating global trade and geopolitics. 

Kai Tuorila at the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open

Kai Tuorila: Championing Chess and Finnish-ThaiRelations

Kai Tuorila is the driving force behind the Bangkok Chess Club Open anda prominent figure in Finnish-Thai trade relations. As a Counsellor forTrade and Investment at the Embassy of Finland, Kai has dedicated hiscareer to fostering collaboration between these nations. His dual roles—as a promoter of chess and an advocate for international trade—highlighthis ability to bridge intellectual pursuits with real-world impact.

Since founding the BCC Open in 2002, Kai has ensured that thetournament provides world-class playing conditions while promotingThailand as a global chess destination. His vision has attracted toptalent, including Grandmasters Nigel Short and Surya Sekhar Ganguly, while offering local players an opportunity to compete internationally.

4 person playing chess and thinking

The players must maintain intense concentration and focus.

A Cultural Crossroads During Songkran

Coinciding with Thailand’s Songkran New Year celebrations, the tournament becomes more than a competition—it transforms into a cultural crossroads where strategy meets tradition. Three hundred fifty players from 48 countries are registered for the 22nd BCC Open. With registrations ongoing, this year’s tournament already boasts participation from elite players across multiple continents, including 10 Grandmasters—a testament to its growing prestige.

2 person playing chess agains each others and pic of sheraton ball room from tournament

The Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel offers a calm, focused stage—ideally suited for serious players. 

A Legacy Worth Celebrating 

Let us celebrate Kai Tuorila’s enduring contributions—not only to the global chess community but also to Finnish-Thai relations. His ability to unite people through shared passions serves as an inspiration for leaders everywhere. 

Witness excellence in action this April and join the Bangkok Chess Club Open 2025—a tournament where every move matters. And for one outstanding player, a masterstroke will win the first prize of 100,000 Baht. 

✍️Text and cover picture by Antti Rahikainen 

📸 Photos provided by Bangkok Chess Club (BCC) 

ripavi saunat

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