Showing 1 - 10 of 22
Better Canada-China ties boost Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/01/2026
» Canada's decision to reset relations with China is extraordinary, coming at a critical time for both countries. It reflects changes in the Western Hemisphere that have led Canada to realise that boosting ties with China is a necessity. Furthermore, it will have far-reaching implications for their future bilateral relations and beyond. It is interesting to note that it took US President Donald Trump's intimidation -- both on trade and annexation -- to push straightforward Canada towards the East.
Thailand–Japan ties at a crossroads
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/11/2025
» For the past four decades, Thailand-Japan ties have been smooth as silk, reflecting the Japanese concept of ishin denshin, an idiom that describes communication without words. That idiom reflects a very good relationship, a deep mutual understanding between the two parties.
Vietnam steps up as a regional leader
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/08/2025
» Vietnam wisely chose South Korea to showcase a new strategic-economic partnership in the region, focusing on growing trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. As the first country to dispatch a top leader to meet newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, the Hanoi government sends a clear signal to both Northeast and Southeast Asia that South Korea and Vietnam are emerging together as a driving force of regional connectivity and economic growth.
Mae Sot's trade vs security dilemma
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/04/2025
» At Mae Sot International Airport, all passengers must now undergo a strict immigration check and police screening before they can board designated flights. The new stringent measures aim to prevent scammers from using this western border hub as a transit route across the border.
Indonesia leads Asean with Brics entry
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/01/2025
» Indonesia has scooped Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand to become the first Asean country to join the Brics bloc of developing economies as a full member. Brazil, the new Brics rotational chair, announced Indonesia's admission was timely with strategic significance.
7 moves to shape 'Future Ready Asean'
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/10/2024
» Seven takeaways from the Vientiane summit will lay the groundwork for boosting the incoming Asean chair's profile and deliverability. These impetuses mean Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will have his work cut out in heralding a new era of "Future Ready Asean".
First look at new Thai diplomatic tactics
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/10/2023
» In deciphering the 1,288-word Thai foreign policy statement announced last week, it is important to start at the very end. The last paragraph of "Thailand's Challenges: How to Thrive in Rising Geopolitical Uncertainty", put forward by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, was particularly revealing. He said succinctly that Thai diplomatic platforms must complement the government's domestic policies to improve people's standard of living and create job opportunities in order to get the country back in the global economic and political arena with dignity. In addition, it must enable the Thai business sector to grow and prosper domestically and internationally to increase confidence in Thailand.
Asean summit forges fresh strategies
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/09/2023
» With its theme "Asean Matters: Epicentrum of economic growth", the Indonesian chair has raised the Asean playing field to an unprecedented level, especially as the bloc has to engage with a new geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. That helps explain why Indonesian President Joko Widodo or Jokowi has to reiterate that Asean needs an extraordinary tactical strategy to face the current global turmoil when he met on Friday with a group of high-level Asean businessmen and investors.
Don't forget fringe parties in the election
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/05/2023
» A total of 70 political parties with 4,781 candidates are contesting 400 MP seats, and 1,898 candidates from 67 political parties are vying for 100 list-MP seats in the general election on May 14.
Thai soft power, or a soft sales job?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/01/2023
» Last week Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-cha issued a new soft power policy to promote Thai culture as part of efforts to attract international visitors. Upon close scrutiny, what the government is trying to do is actually raise revenue. In a nutshell, it is a sales pitch, nothing more.