Showing 1 - 10 of 10
A year of shocks, but Thailand endures
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/12/2025
» The year 2025 is not just your typical annus horribilis. Some may say that an appropriate term to describe the year is "hell on earth," or narok bon din in Thai, when many bad things happen all at once.
Sino-Thai ties: Kinship and complexity
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/07/2025
» Today marks two significant milestones. Firstly, Thailand and China are commemorating a golden jubilee -- the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Countless personalities and factors have contributed to the strengthening and continued relevance of Zhong Tai yi jia qin -- China and Thailand are one family. Looking back, this family has been tested through trial and error. The notion of "one family" also holds special meaning, as the slogan has been frequently cited by the two countries' leaders as the foundation of their bilateral relations.
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.
Thaksin's comeback fuels media chaos
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/09/2024
» Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's return to the Thai political scene has sparked a frenzy across all media spectrums. Such a brouhaha is understandable. Thaksin is a political figure associated with multiple scandals, an ideal target for investigative journalists. Interestingly, this time around, the exposés are not coming from journos. Instead, they come from Thaksin's inner circle -- his close friends and former aides.
Thai-Cambodian ties enter a new era
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/01/2024
» Exactly 37 days before Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet was due to fly to Bangkok on Feb 7 for a one-day official visit, Cambodia extended Thai border pass access to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located. This was an act of goodwill as the proposal has been on the table for discussions since Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's visit to Phnom Penh in September -- his first official foreign destination after being elected Thai leader.
Combatting fake news the Asean way
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/06/2023
» Three weeks have passed since the general election, and the Thai media is still flooded with fake news and disinformation of all kinds. Essentially, these are designed to harm a particular individual, a political group or the country. Overall, the country's domestic environment is very fluid. Aside from efforts to form a new coalition government, the most important issues are related to national security and diplomacy.
Imagining Thai diplomacy under MFP
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/05/2023
» With the winners of the recent election headed by the Move Forward Party still working to form the next government, it is too early to predict the outcome of the political manoeuvring by its potential coalition partners. If everything goes as planned, it will be the first liberal government in Thai history. Since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has been struggling to establish a strong foundation for a liberal society with democratic norms and values. So far, the efforts have not been successful, leaving Thailand stuck with the label of a half-baked democracy. Government after government has tried to push forward democratisation but failed due to political polarisation and a deep-rooted patronage system.
Thailand tightens information law
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 25/05/2021
» In September 1997 Thailand became the first country in Asean to enact a freedom of information law. The Official Information Act (OIA), as it is known here, became a new benchmark for a free society as well as its openness and transparency. For the first time, the public had the right to access information, especially that previously held by the government.
Understanding Thailand's soft power
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/02/2020
» Thailand is a curious place. On the one hand, it is a country that foreigners love to visit for the scenery, the shopping, partying and street food, even if they have to suffer traffic fumes and dust. They may even find themselves tucking into pad thai in the shadow of the T22 tanks of the Thai Army Regiment 2.
Post-poll policy: Dynamic continuity
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/03/2019
» Speculation is rife about imminent changes in Thailand's diplomatic direction after five years of military-ruled guidance. Political pundits and campaigners ahead of the polls last week also sent out strong signals that they expect a new cabinet in Government House with new policies. One of the casualties would be Thai-Chinese ties, which have progressed and strengthened without waveringly over the past five years. However, the outcome of Sunday's election indicates that whichever parties form the next civilian government, there will be little effect on the country's foreign relations or the current Asean chair. Indeed, Thailand's foreign policy will become more dynamic with continuity.