Showing 1 - 10 of 105
Thailand reconsiders its foreign policy
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/02/2026
» Thai foreign policy was elevated to a high priority on the policy platforms of many political parties during Sunday's general election. The stakes have risen enormously due to growing public interest following the conflict with Cambodia.
Safeguarding peace after border conflict
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/01/2026
» 2026 began with good news: Thai–Cambodian ties showed signs of improvement following the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers on the final day of 2025. The fighting has stopped, but the wounds have left deep scars that are highly visible and difficult to heal. Worse, public trust across the border remains low, while anguished emotions remain high.
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.
Sino-Thai family now new era partners
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/11/2025
» The long-awaited trip to China by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana is now official, with the state visit scheduled from Thursday to Monday. The historic visit will be the first by a reigning Thai monarch. Both countries, which established diplomatic ties in 1975, are also commemorating the golden jubilee of their friendship.
Anutin should use his time judiciously
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/11/2025
» One month has passed. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul now has three more months to go.
Paetongtarn and the price of weak govt
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/09/2025
» The Constitutional Court's dismissal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her cabinet last Friday has plunged Thailand into a political poly-crisis.
Will Myanmar's military plan succeed?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/06/2025
» Following the recent devastating earthquake, Myanmar's military junta leaders are facing increasing pressure at home and abroad. Despite this, they are moving forward with their five-step plan, while still implementing the Asean peace plan. The most crucial part of their plan is to hold a general election between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has already promised this to leaders from India, China, Russia, Belarus and Asean countries.
Can Thailand engage with Trump's US?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/06/2025
» Thailand must be bold and dynamic in recalibrating its diplomatic ties with the United States under President Donald Trump. Asia's oldest relationship with Washington carries little weight in the era of transactional diplomacy. Although the 1833 Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the US and Siam described their relations "as long as heaven and earth can endure", the two countries now face formidable challenges in living up to that 192-year-old oath. That treaty was the United States' first treaty with a country in Asia, making Thailand America's oldest friend in the region.
When non-interference becomes policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/05/2025
» What US President Donald Trump said in Saudi Arabia on May 14 resonates very well in Thailand. Last week in Riyadh, Mr Trump reiterated that the Middle East had changed because "local people did it", and not because "Western countries interfered and told you how to live or run your countries".
Timor-Leste's membership divides Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/05/2025
» Timor-Leste's long-awaited bid to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is in jeopardy. It has encountered unexpected headwinds -- this time from the Philippines. The sudden diplomatic friction stems from Dili's refusal to extradite Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr, a former Filipino congressman accused of terrorism and multiple murders, back to Manila.