Showing 1 - 10 of 323
Thai-Vietnamese ties enter new phase
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/06/2025
» Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key Asean nations -- Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence. Earlier batches of CSPs included global powers such as China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia.
Chasing 'sovereignty partnerships'
Oped, Published on 04/06/2025
» In 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron laid the foundations for France's strategy for the Indo-Pacific, a region that is becoming the new centre of gravity of the global economy but is also experiencing growing tensions and increased competition between major powers. As a resident nation in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans through its overseas territories and communities, France has a direct stake in the region's stability and development. In this context, France wants to act as a stabilising force and to promote effective multilateralism based on the rule of law, inclusivity and respect for sovereignty.
Macron woos Asean nations caught in US-China crossfire
Published on 27/05/2025
» French President Emmanuel Macron is spearheading the latest effort by European leaders to woo Southeast Asian nations worried about becoming collateral damage in a trade war and security disputes between Washington and Beijing.
Working on our shared values
Oped, Published on 09/05/2025
» The European Union was born from the ashes of the Second World War to break the cycle of wars between historical enemies. On May 9, 1950, French foreign minister Robert Schuman presented a historical declaration proposing to jointly manage, through a single supranational authority, the industries needed to wage war -- coal, iron, steel. The Schuman Declaration was adopted by six countries -- Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; May 9 is since considered the founding day of the EU.
Bigger Asean could counter tariffs
Oped, Published on 17/04/2025
» When US President Donald Trump finally unleashed his long-threatened tariff blitz, the scale and scope were far worse than most governments expected. It came as no surprise that China would be the hardest hit, but the punishing duties imposed on most Asian countries were a profound shock.
An ever evolving MFA turns 150
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/04/2025
» During his reign from 1851 to 1868, King Mongkut or King Rama IV issued a clear directive to Siamese diplomats in the era of Western Imperialism that they must protect national sovereignty with intelligence and diplomacy.
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).
US-Russia détente will impact Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/03/2025
» There is a blessing in disguise in the uncertainties caused by the "American First" policy by US President Donald Trump. That is, the long-awaited US-Russia détente has finally happened, removing the dark clouds hovering over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) ties with Eurasia's superpower since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The strained relations have impeded the political and security cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia.
Trump ready with Asean policy 2.0
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/01/2025
» Last week's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing for Senator Marco Rubio was very insightful, especially regarding comments related to US-Asean relations. Mr Rubio demonstrated knowledge about Asean and the need for flexibility in engaging with the countries in the region. His comments have also calmed surging concerns over a potential tariff hike under the Trump administration. Certainly, he is expected to be confirmed and replace Antony Blinken as Secretary of State.
Asean communicates its 2045 vision
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/01/2025
» This year will be eventful for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). In addition to the Myanmar issue and intensifying geopolitics, the Asean Community Vision 2045 will be ready in May and will chart the course for its 770 million-strong population over the next two decades.