Showing 31 - 39 of 39
Mekong nations tighten anti-drug blitz
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/12/2019
» The Mekong region is no longer a mysterious place, as it has now become the world's main hub of illicit drugs across multiple frontiers. Last month, anti-drug officials from riparian countries -- Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, China -- and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDODC) met in a series of meetings in Bangkok to forge a new political agreement and plan that would strengthen their cooperation to address the deteriorating drug situation.
East Asian leadership rises in Bangkok
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/11/2019
» The 35th Asean-related summits, which ended on Monday, saw the region's leaders display their magnanimity through collective leadership and common commitments for a stronger and more prosperous East Asia. The absence of US President Donald Trump was a blessing in disguise, since it meant the global media had to focus on the substance of their talks. These days, East Asian leaders are bolder and more willing to work together despite their domestic constraints and the longstanding bilateral disputes among them.
Thai chair and new branding of Asean
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/06/2019
» Now the election has passed and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has been named to head the soon-to-be civilian government. Until the new cabinet is officially named, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai will stay on in his position. With both of them at the helm, the Thai Asean chairmanship will proceed as planned. Nearly six months have elapsed since Thailand became chair, but what it has been able to accomplish over 130 meetings of various committees has gone totally unreported, as the local media was zeroed in on the post-election drama and political brinksmanship manifested by Thailand's 27 parties. Thai bureaucrats are free to prepare for the Asean summit and related meetings.
Cambodia's key role in regional security
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/12/2018
» Last month, Asia Times, citing unnamed diplomatic sources, reported that China has lobbied Cambodia for a naval base in Koh Kong province on the Gulf of Thailand, prompting the Cambodian government to deny the news.
Malaysia's new dynamic in the deep South
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/10/2018
» Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is coming to Thailand later this month to try and tamp down the festering violence in southern Thailand. As his return to power in May has rejuvenated his country's openness and democratisation, he offers a ray of hope to Thailand's future peace and stability.
KL-Beijing ties and the 'Mahathir doctrine'
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/08/2018
» Be careful what you say these days, especially when it comes to comments about Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, also known as Tun Mahathir, or Tun Ma by Chinese-language dailies in Malaysia, and his five-day visit to China. One can take what one hears literally at one's own risk.
Thailand wise to act as EU-Asean conduit
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/12/2017
» The first paragraph of the Council of the European Union conclusion on Thailand, released last Monday after the EU foreign ministerial meeting, provided an insight into the state of EU-Thai relations. It says:
Vietnam aims to shine under Apec spotlight
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/10/2017
» After more than three decades of economic reforms, Vietnam will play host to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders' Meeting in Da Nang on Nov 10-11. Given the rapidly changing world and this dynamic region, the summit has great significance in terms of economic and strategic matters.
Thailand and Vietnam: Stronger together
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/08/2017
» In Asean, Vietnam is Thailand's only strategic partner. Three points in particular underpin the countries' unique ties.