Showing 1 - 10 of 11
Thailand's responses to Board of Peace
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/01/2026
» US President Donald Trump's invitation to Thailand to join the Board of Peace (BOP) has elicited three distinct responses. The first two are succinct and clear in their rationale. The third, however, is more nuanced -- and notable for its ambivalence.
Asean's balancing act gains momentum
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/08/2025
» In the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, a tentative idea was raised at the Chongqing virtual meeting between Asean-China foreign ministers in June 2021, for Asean Plus Two. The two referred to the US and China. The bloc's leaders were quite worried that US-China rivalry, especially during the pandemic, would result in catastrophic outcomes for the regional economy and its integration.
An ever evolving MFA turns 150
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/04/2025
» During his reign from 1851 to 1868, King Mongkut or King Rama IV issued a clear directive to Siamese diplomats in the era of Western Imperialism that they must protect national sovereignty with intelligence and diplomacy.
Philippines, China seek to mend ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/01/2023
» It's not an overstatement to say that the recent visit by Philippines President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr to China was one of the most important visits between the two countries in decades. The outcome of the three-day trip will have far-reaching implications for bilateral, regional, and global strategic landscapes in the post-pandemic era.
Three summits jointly boost centrality
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 22/11/2022
» Cambodia, Indonesia, and Thailand with distinctive styles of leadership and diplomatic finesse have succeeded in performing the most difficult somersault in international relations by uniting concerned parties from all sides over the Ukraine war to agree to disagree and then agree to agree. Bravo to the trio of Asean members for the outstanding success. A task that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago suddenly became a possibility. Indeed, if global leaders had some humility like the leaders in this part of the world, the outcome of these regional summits could serve as a stepping stone for peace and stability in the wider world. Southeast Asia could even shape the new international order in the making, as the hosts of three summits -- Asean, G20, and Apec -- have demonstrated.
Time for Myanmar to face the music
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/10/2022
» Since its inception in 1967, Asean has survived a myriad of challenges -- some it has passed with flying colours, others less so.
CPTPP procrastination not an option
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 29/06/2021
» It must be said, right from the start, that the debate on the merits and demerits of Thailand's joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) has been going on for far too long. Despite lengthy debate, there is still no consensus on whether the country should join the world's premier free-trade agreement.
New dynamics of Asean's external ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/09/2020
» Before Brexit, very few people in this part of the world would have imagined that the United Kingdom would leave the European Union, then immediately want to become the 11th Asean dialogue partner. Asean senior officials have already discussed the UK's prospects. They have yet to reach any consensus as it is not just about adding a former EU member but involves a plethora of issues that would come with the lifting of a moratorium that has been in place for 24 years. Some members are saying that admitting the UK, a former colonial master of four of the grouping's members, would open Pandora's Box with unknown consequences.
Thailand must rethink its quarantine
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/08/2020
» Thailand's future might well be in danger if the government does not take urgent action to recalibrate its anti-pandemic policies. All the excellent measures the concerned authorities, as well as the public, have taken in mitigating the coronavirus over the past six months could easily turn against them. Thailand could emerge from Covid-19 with more disgruntled Thais including those who were repatriated. Worse, there will likely be additional unhappy foreign countries including their diplomats and citizens who have encountered discriminatory actions, some of which have gone against the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Engaging with China on infrastructure
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/04/2019
» Later this week, 37 heads of state and government, as well as 5,000 participants from over 150 countries, will converge on Beijing for the second Belt and Road Initiative Forum for International Cooperation. The mammoth gathering of dignitaries and policymakers is crucial for the five-year-old BRI to gain wider recognition and power to move onto the next cycle with new lessons learned and adjustments made. For President Xi Jinping, it will be a moment of truth for his leadership and China's dream.