Showing 1 - 10 of 298
Can Thailand engage with Trump's US?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/06/2025
» Thailand must be bold and dynamic in recalibrating its diplomatic ties with the United States under President Donald Trump. Asia's oldest relationship with Washington carries little weight in the era of transactional diplomacy. Although the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the US and Siam described their relations "as long as heaven and earth can endure", the two countries now face formidable challenges in living up to that 192-year-old oath. That treaty was the United States' first treaty with a country in Asia, making Thailand America's oldest friend in the region.
When non-interference becomes policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/05/2025
» What US President Donald Trump said in Saudi Arabia on May 14 resonates very well in Thailand. Last week in Riyadh, Mr Trump reiterated that the Middle East had changed because "local people did it", and not because "Western countries interfered and told you how to live or run your countries".
Future Leaders Observe Cobra Gold Military Exercise
Published on 25/03/2025
» Students from the National Defence Course for Future Leaders (NDCFL) Class 2, accompanied by General Songwit Noonpackdee, Chief of Defence Forces, and H.E. Mr. Robert F. Godec, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand, observed key operations of the 44th Cobra Gold military exercise on March 4, 2025. The visit took place at the 2nd Army Area Command, Suranaree Camp, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and included demonstrations in staff exercises, cyber defence, space operations, and the All-Domain Exercise Coordination Center (ADECC).
Thailand's tense dance of diplomacy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/03/2025
» Last Thursday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai showed his true colours when he addressed the repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Cool as a cucumber, he spoke with authority yet with an apologetic tone. That day's press conference was his perfect coda; other cabinet ministers were mere decorative artefacts.
Singapore navy flags 60 years of ties
News, Post Reporters, Published on 01/03/2025
» The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) hosted a reception on board the RSS Endeavour at Sattahip in Chon Buri on Thursday to commemorate the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties with Thailand.
Cheers to 60 years of friendship between Singapore and Thailand
Published on 28/02/2025
» The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was honoured to host a reception on board RSS Endeavour at Sattahip, Thailand, to commemorate this significant milestone. The reception was attended by Ms Catherine Wong Siow Ping, Singapore's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, as well as esteemed guests from Thailand's Ministry of Defence and participants from Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 which include the Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) and Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
Kingdom hosts 44th Cobra Gold joint drills
News, Poramet Tangsathaporn, Published on 19/02/2025
» The Cobra Gold joint military exercise 2025 will run from Feb 25 to March 7 in Thailand, with 3,200 US personnel participating.
Serpentine style
Life, Kanokporn Chanasongkram, Published on 31/01/2025
» On Wednesday, the Lunar New Year started with a hiss as the snake took over the dragon. Watchmakers join the celebrations by paying tribute to Chinese culture and depicting the sixth zodiac animal on special editions.
Korea martial law lessons for Thailand
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/12/2024
» Last week, South Korea experienced a titanic political shift when President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law late on Tuesday night. The move lasted just over six hours before it was lifted, making it one of the shortest-lived martial law declarations in modern political history. It was lucky because it started late at night and ended early in the morning. Had it occurred during the day, the outcome could have been very different.
Thailand-South Korea dual narratives
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/12/2024
» Thailand-South Korea relations are paradoxical. The countries share a dynamic that boasts both heroic achievements and glaring challenges. While their cultural and economic ties have progressed over the decades, they are black-eyed by labour and immigration issues. Solving these irritating issues can elevate friendship and unleash the potential of bilateral cooperation.