Showing 1 - 10 of 1,097
Is Asean now a new 'balancing wheel'?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/07/2025
» Last week's Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting reflects its continued relevance in an increasingly unstable world. Amid US unilateralism and US President Donald Trump's tariff nationalism, Asean has reasserted itself as a balancing wheel -- a stabilising force on which its dialogue partners can still depend.
Not about safety
Postbag, Published on 12/07/2025
» Re: "Safer tourism needed now", (Editorial, July 11).
Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/07/2025
» It appeared to be a done deal. During their summit on May 26, Asean leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Since then, Nay Pyi Taw has raised an unexpected objection, with the junta issuing an official statement that could potentially embarrass Asean and its current chair, Malaysia.
A new economic order needs a moral compass
Oped, Published on 24/06/2025
» Even before US President Donald Trump launched his assault on the global economy, it was facing not only a structural crisis but a collapse in the values that once justified and guided international cooperation. The retraction of multilateralism reflects not just weakened institutions and geopolitical tensions but also a loss of shared principles for international cooperation and a shift toward unilateralism, transactional diplomacy, and zero-sum nationalism.
Timor-Leste's membership divides Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/05/2025
» Timor-Leste's long-awaited bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is in jeopardy. It has encountered unexpected headwinds -- this time from the Philippines. The sudden diplomatic friction stems from Dili's refusal to extradite Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr, a former Filipino congressman accused of terrorism and multiple murders, back to Manila.
Anwar plants first seeds
News, Editorial, Published on 21/04/2025
» After years of diplomatic deadlock, recent moves by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra have sparked cautious optimism over Myanmar. Thanks to their efforts, the world is watching Asean taking a leading role in solving one of the region's most intractable crises.
Clearer policy on Myanmar is needed
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 18/04/2025
» Regrettably, the recent earthquake in Myanmar compounds the longstanding pain and suffering inflicted on the people of the country due to authoritarianism and human rights violations. Can such a catastrophe also be a catalyst for transformative, constructive change?
Thailand lags in the global trade war
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 11/04/2025
» Thailand is fast isolating itself from the international community and falling behind in the emerging geoeconomic warfare to the detriment of its economy and people. The elected government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is ironically coming up with outcomes that resemble those of the military administration a decade ago. Thailand must now move quickly to contain policy damage and restore its international standing to navigate and come out of the intensifying geoeconomic war in as decent a shape as possible.
Myanmar military announces ceasefire as quake deaths top 3,000
Bloomberg News, Published on 03/04/2025
» Myanmar’s military on Wednesday announced a unilateral ceasefire in its fight against rebels until April 22 to expedite relief and reconstruction efforts after last week’s devastating earthquake, which has killed more than 3,000 people.
Bimstec to put regional ties to the test
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 25/03/2025
» On April 4, leaders from the seven countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal will converge in Bangkok to chart a common future amid dramatic shifts in the global geopolitical landscape.