Showing 1 - 10 of 102
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.
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.
Asean's charm offensive in full swing
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/08/2025
» In what can only be described as a stunning diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump has personally confirmed his attendance at the 47th Asean-related summits on Oct 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur. His early commitment made directly to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim breaks with protocol and represents a rare gesture of goodwill toward Asean.
Thai-Vietnamese ties enter new phase
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/06/2025
» Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key Asean nations -- Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence. Earlier batches of CSPs included global powers such as China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia.
Trump should revisit his tariff schemes
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/04/2025
» President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, marking "Liberation Day", hit foes and friends of the US equally. The immediate effect is that Mr Trump has rallied the rest of the world to prepare for a future without US dominance. To put it mildly, they must become less dependent on the US in every possible way -- unless Mr Trump changes his approach.
Assad's fate haunts Myanmar junta
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/12/2024
» The recent overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad provides insights into the potential undoing of Myanmar's military regime in Nay Pyi Taw. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing must take note and study why even a strong 55-year-old family empire with heavyweight outside backing still crumbled like a house of cards.
Be it red or blue: SE Asia's pivot is true
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/11/2024
» Red or blue, the next US administration must firmly engage with Southeast Asia and its regional organisation, Asean, to protect its strategic interests.
US looks to deepen Asean partnership
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/10/2024
» Annual meetings between Asean leaders and major powers from both the West and East have made Asean an important strategic partner. The upcoming Asean-related summits in Vientiane this week are no different. After the pandemic, Asean has become more prominent, though sometimes passive, in the region. By not fully taking sides in the East-West divide, Asean keeps its influence and room to handle the complex global security issues.
Thailand's response to global trends
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/08/2024
» Understanding Thailand's approach to evolving international orders requires examining its decisions. These decisions by recent and current governments offer a clear view of the country's diplomatic trajectory in an increasingly uncertain world.
Thai-Korea ties: From K-pop to policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/08/2024
» Thai singer Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal, a member of the phenomenal yet now defunct Blackpink, epitomises the modern Thai-South Korean relationship thanks to her popularity and global appeal.