Showing 1 - 10 of 53
Asean chair faces formidable challenges
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/02/2026
» The Philippines' Asean chairmanship will be one of the most exciting periods for the bloc.
Upcoming Myanmar vote tests Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/08/2025
» Myanmar is heading to the polls from Dec 28 through mid-January 2026. The big question is whether the world community will accept the outcome of the national election.
Social media and Thai-Cambodian ties
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/05/2025
» After two full days of intense discussions, senior Cambodian officials, journalists, and Phnom Penh-based Thai diplomats and representatives of the private sector, unanimously agreed on the pivotal role of social media -- it can either promote peace or instigate war.
Thailand's tense dance of diplomacy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/03/2025
» Last Thursday evening, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai showed his true colours when he addressed the repatriation of 40 Uyghurs to China. Cool as a cucumber, he spoke with authority yet with an apologetic tone. That day's press conference was his perfect coda; other cabinet ministers were mere decorative artefacts.
Thailand-South Korea dual narratives
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/12/2024
» Thailand-South Korea relations are paradoxical. The countries share a dynamic that boasts both heroic achievements and glaring challenges. While their cultural and economic ties have progressed over the decades, they are black-eyed by labour and immigration issues. Solving these irritating issues can elevate friendship and unleash the potential of bilateral cooperation.
Can Thailand lead reboot of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 24/09/2024
» In 2002, Thailand brought together major Asian nations to form the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD). It was a bold and visionary move to create a powerful platform to foster pan-Asian economic integration after the 1997 Asia financial crisis or the Tom Yum Kung crisis.
The rise and fall of Srettha Thavisin
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/08/2024
» While leaders come and go, they leave behind a legacy that can be mixed, varying from glory to ignominy. Only a few leave nothing much to remember. As for Thailand's 30th prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, it was cursory at best. Overall, it's a good case study on how pomposity and self-adulation affect leadership.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
Thailand recharges Myanmar policy
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/06/2024
» At his first press briefing on Friday, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa spoke at length about Thai foreign policy under his stewardship. He covered the whole gamut of revitalised diplomatic paths the country is on and will be making in a 43-slide PowerPoint presentation.
Global crises demand unified action
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/05/2024
» The world is facing unprecedented crises. Without revitalising the collective spirit backed by action, the survival of humanity could be at risk.