Showing 1 - 10 of 61
Lop Buri before the monkeying around
Roger Crutchley, Published on 02/06/2024
» One of the first towns I visited in Thailand in the early 1970s was Lop Buri, about 150 km north of Bangkok. Its main appeal was its convenient three-hour train journey from Hua Lamphong. It offered a chance to escape Bangkok for a couple of days and experience a taste of life in a small town.
Russian moves block UN probe of North Korea
Oped, Published on 05/04/2024
» In a classic under-the-political radar ploy, Russia has vetoed a UN committee investigating North Korean nuclear missile and banking sanctions violations. The low-profile but highly significant sanctions committee regularly monitors illicit actions by Pyongyang to develop, improve and implement the regime's nuclear weapons and offensive missile programmes.
Myanmar eyes return to Asean fold
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/02/2024
» To understand the current game plan of Myanmar's military regime, it is perhaps a good time to remind ourselves of the letter written by former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Aug 19, 2022. The rather blunt personal letter urged the junta leader to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), saying that if he fails to do so, his Asean colleagues might ban Myanmar from all meetings and recognise the National Unity Government (NUG). In short, Asean would give the seat to the NUG. The letter angered the general, and Hun Sen's practical advice was ignored, including his call for amnesty for four activists who had been sentenced to death. For the past three years, Myanmar's seat at Asean's high-level meetings has been left vacant. Then, on Feb 29, the seat was occupied temporarily.
Has McKinsey & Co finally become unleadable?
News, Published on 27/01/2024
» It's a big year for elections -- and that includes McKinsey & Co's poll to pick the Global Managing Partner for the next three years. As in so many elections, there's a difference between the skills needed to get the job and those required once elected.
Bad to good: What kind of year was 2023 for Asia?
Oped, Published on 28/12/2023
» As 2023 departs, and 2024 -- and soon, the lunar Year of the Dragon -- arrives, we once again highlight the winners and losers of the year gone by in Asia.
Ukraine: War, peace and the US Congress
Oped, Published on 16/12/2023
» We are approaching Ukraine's second Christmas at war with Russia. Gone are the heady days and David and Goliath moments of tough and plucky Ukraine stunning the Russian bear and, against all odds and predictions, presumably turning the military tide on the aggressor.
King Charles' blue tie speaks volumes to Greeks
Published on 05/12/2023
» NEW YORK - Can a tie really bind you to an opinion? Greek and British journalists traded flurries of speculation last week after King Charles III wore a bright blue cravat (and matching pocket square) as he addressed the COP28 climate conference in Dubai.
Deadlock over Gaza war as crisis widens
Oped, Published on 03/11/2023
» War clouds are swirling in the Middle East as the region steps closer to the precipice. The Second Stage of Israel's military offensive against Hamas has now begun with all-out fighting in the Gaza Strip between the terrorists and the State of Israel. But beyond tiny Gaza it appears that regional destabilisation now seems a certainty.
UN assembly opens amid widening crises
Oped, Published on 13/09/2023
» Presidents, prime ministers, kings and potentates are converging on New York for the opening session of the UN General Assembly. The 78th annual assembly of the world organisation presents both a global gala and expanded summit meeting to try to solve a myriad of crises facing the international community.
Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023
Published on 21/06/2023
» This week, London will play host the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023, to be held jointly by the UK and Ukraine.