Showing 1 - 10 of 28
Projecting hope for a world in turmoil
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 10/04/2026
» Today, the world is witnessing the most explosive situation since World War II, all too visible in conflicts such as the Iran war.
Sustaining healthcare in volatile times
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 18/08/2025
» Health care is pivotal for human well-being. Yet in today's precarious world, it is pressured by diminishing resources, demographic variables, warfare and violence, and environmental degradation. Sustaining health care thus requires insightful planning and implementation, no less for Thailand and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) regions.
Bridge-building for ethnic concerns
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 08/05/2025
» Recent months have witnessed intense negotiations in Thailand's parliament concerning the proposed new law on the protection and promotion of the livelihood of ethnic groups. Can the various gaps be truly bridged?
Beware of refugee repatriation scams
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 13/03/2025
» Please beware that there is a contemporary political malady. Regrettably, there is the disconcerting malpractice whereby those who have been granted refuge or asylum in a neighbouring (or other) country are pushed back or repatriated to the country of origin or areas of danger, without adequate guarantees of safety and dignity.
Protecting children in the age of AI
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 01/03/2025
» The age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is very much here. The term "generative AI" is now commonplace, with the public fascinated with how AI can actively produce content such as written and audio creations. In fact, the world is moving towards Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), whereby robots will be able to match and even outdo human intelligence. Aptly, its relationship with children (under 18 years) invites reflection and precaution.
Streamlining Myanmar refugee policy
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 13/02/2025
» Thailand's record on sheltering a multitude of refugees has generally been commendable throughout the years. Yet at times there are paradoxes, exemplified by the push-back of Cambodian refugees recently, the current threat to send back a Vietnamese Montagnard refugee, and the ominous clouds pressing insidiously for the forced return of Uyghur refugees.
Reconfiguring Asean rights declaration
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 13/12/2024
» It has been 12 years since the Asean Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) was adopted in 2012 by the 10-member regional grouping, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, embodying the key standards of human rights for the Southeast Asian region. How has it fared after all these years?
Deep dive into Indo-Pacific dreamscape
Oped, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 02/08/2024
» Is the term "Indo-Pacific" an illusion? Or is it a defined concept, a geographical configuration, a channel for connectivity, and/or a confining strategy? Perhaps it embodies an all-embracing blend, waiting for the onlooker to dive deep into political undercurrents. It may also be time to move beyond the landscape and the seascape and even leave the dreamscape behind.
From Asian values to Asian narratives?
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 01/07/2024
» A debate is emerging over whether Asia should claim its own "narratives". The humble onlooker might well ask whether this is another version, a cliché, of the "Asian values" of the 1990s.
Refugees flee to find further repression
News, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Published on 17/06/2024
» Transnational repression is emerging as a critical concern for the world community, including the Asean region. Basically, it encompasses actions by state authorities and their agents to intimidate, harass and or harm those deemed to be dissidents -- usually their nationals -- who have sought shelter or are present in other countries.