Showing 1 - 10 of 20
Rethinking Thailand's visa-free policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 31/03/2026
» Thailand is planning to cut visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days. This long-overdue change reflects growing concern over the effectiveness of immigration surveillance. Moreover, scaling down visa-free stays underscores the seriousness of the Anutin government's efforts to combat scammers, illegal work, and other underground activities that exploit easy visa access to turn Thailand into a base for under-the-table operations.
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.
Thai-EU free trade deal on the horizon
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/04/2024
» If everything goes as planned, Thailand and the EU could sign a free trade agreement by mid-next year, in what is another example of the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Time to integrate Myanmar's displaced
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/03/2024
» In the bustling border town of Mae Sot, Julia smiled when I asked her about her new job. "I am very happy with my position," said the young woman who recently completed her Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts from Bangkok University.
Humanitarian peril on western border
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/12/2022
» While the country's political machinery and personnel are now gearing up for the upcoming election, there is a humanitarian crisis in waiting on the western border. Politicians have so far turned a blind eye.
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.
SE Asia to host big powers in November
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/09/2022
» For a 10-day period in the second week of November, the world's attention will be focused singularly on Southeast Asia. Current global chasms, both big and small, will play out in Phnom Penh, Bali as well as the newly renovated Queen Sirikit Convention Center here in Bangkok respectively. Plenty of positive headlines as well as vitriol will be generated, as leaders of powerful countries and economies descend on the region.
Time to strategise Thai-Philippine ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/07/2022
» Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai soon after being sworn in. It was his first meeting with a dignitary from Asean though he had earlier met with representatives from the US, China and Japan. Suddenly, the old flame of friendship between Thailand and the Philippines was being rekindled.
Policy on Myanmar must be prudent
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/11/2021
» Ten months into the crisis in Myanmar, Thailand is still scrambling for a well-balanced policy that would lessen the anxiety of all the peoples of Myanmar, both living in and outside the country. The latest news of a new influx of migrant workers across the Thai-Myanmar border has sent a chilling message to the Thai authorities, especially those who deal with national security.
Thailand plans cultural centre in China
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/09/2021
» Sixteen years after the idea was first broached, Thailand is planning to set up its first ever cultural centre overseas. Culture Minister Ittiphol Khunpluem revealed last week that the centre would be in China. This new move comes at a time when Thai-Chinese relations are in an excellent shape, moving at a fast pace even in the time of the pandemic. Since last year, the Chinese Lunar New Year is now a national holiday.