Showing 1 - 10 of 14
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.
Cambodia's bluster fails at UN event
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/09/2025
» At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Thailand and Cambodia verbally clashed again over their border dispute. What stood out was not just the usual complaints, but the gap between quiet promises made behind closed doors and loud posturing in public.
Time to clean up Thailand's borders
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/02/2025
» Thailand's recent decision to cut electricity and other fuel to Myanmar has had far-reaching ramifications along the Thai-Myanmar and Thai-Cambodian borders. Indeed, it will also impact geopolitics in the region and beyond.
Nay Pyi Taw's goals still out of reach
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/02/2025
» As Myanmar's crisis enters its fifth year this week, there is still no light at the end of the tunnel.
8 Thai hostages must not be forgotten
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/01/2024
» The singular most important event of 2023 in Thailand was the Thai hostage crisis that began on Oct 7 when Hamas launched its surprise onslaught on Israel from the Gaza Strip. Several thousand Thai workers were caught up in the crisis, and several dozen were taken hostage along with over 240 men, women and children of almost two dozen nationalities. Apart from Israeli citizens, the number of Thais taken prisoner was the highest among foreigners, and at least 39 were confirmed killed. At the end of November and in the weeks that followed, a total of 23 Thais were freed. Today, eight remain in Gaza, and their fate is unknown. In modern Thai history, this is the first time such a huge number of Thai citizens have been abducted.
New shifts in Thai Middle East policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/11/2023
» The past five weeks have been a hellish time for the new Srettha government, with 39 Thai workers killed and many others injured and kidnapped in the Israel-Hamas war. Despite Thais being categorised as "innocent", "unarmed", and "non-lethal", they have suffered the highest casualties among foreigners in Israel.
Give peace a chance in Ukraine war
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/02/2023
» China's 12-point proposal for peace in Ukraine should be given serious consideration as it encompasses all the necessary elements that could achieve a ceasefire leading to eventual peace. Obviously, it is still a tall order. At this juncture, the talk of war continues with vigour, especially among the US allies and Nato. Judging from their reactions in the past several days, they still view the plan with suspicion, and it will take some time before the Chinese ideas gain traction among policymakers worldwide.
New Thai-Malaysia economic dynamics
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/02/2023
» Without any diplomatic pleasantries, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha kicked off bilateral talks last week with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, by stating clearly that Thai-Malaysian ties have not been progressing very well. The opening remarks drew a big smile from Mr Anwar as a sign of appreciation. It immediately set the tone of his two-day visit.
US plans for Indo-Pacific 'misguided'
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/10/2022
» To ensure a free, open, prosperous, and secure world, the United States must be the winner in the race for global supremacy. For the US, the biggest challenge now is to compete with China, while at the same time containing Russia. That was the key message of the US' national security strategy, which was released last Wednesday, at a time when the US no longer has the same agency to tackle the myriad of challenges it faces around the globe the way it used to.
Cambodia's chair: trust and tasks ahead
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/01/2022
» Cambodia's reputation in regional and international affairs has long preceded Prime Minister Hun Sen's recent trip to Myanmar. Indeed, to be fair, the two-day visit was an ice breaker to create much-needed space for all the Asean 10 to get together once again.