Showing 1 - 10 of 30
Border dispute needs steady dialogue
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/04/2026
» Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet's recent comment prioritising bilateral negotiations is welcome news. However, it is not a breakthrough. Rather, it is a return to what should have been the modus operandi from the beginning.
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 diplomacy is now in need of a reset
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 24/06/2025
» For the record, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed the most damaging diplomatic blunder in Thailand's modern history. The leaked 17.6-minute audio clip of a phone call between her and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was not just embarrassing -- it was devastating, not only for her but for the Thai people and the country.
Humble Asean advice for Madame Pae
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/09/2024
» Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aka Madame Pae, has a unique opportunity to demonstrate her leadership to Asean colleagues and dialogue partners in Vientiane, Laos, from Oct 9-11. Her inaugural international outings with 21 different Asean-related summits will define her premiership — or the lack of it. It is a herculean task.
The secret new Thai-French relations
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/11/2023
» The photos at the Elysee Palace in Paris said it all. French President Emmanuel Macron posing with Somdet Phra Maha Theerajarn -- the abbot of Wat Pho -- their hands firmly clasped, not only manifested the affinity between Thailand and France, but also their leaders and people, as well as their spiritual inspiration.
Will Apec meet reveal a US Asia pivot?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/11/2023
» Mid-November will mark another important milestone in the chronicles of US involvement in Asia. President Joe Biden will host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting from Nov 15-17 in San Francisco.
Asean, Thailand, Myanmar turn page
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 01/08/2023
» The Suu Kyi-Don meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on July 9 has given hope of "a fresh opening" to the political peace process for Myanmar as well as the implementation of the Asean Five-Point Consensus (5PC). At the upcoming Asean-related summits in early September, the 5PC will be reviewed in full with all the updates and outcomes of a myriad of efforts by the Asean chair and other Asean members to recalibrate the Asean 5PC.
Diplomacy a very different ball game
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/05/2023
» With the election now over, a new government can be expected to emerge fairly soon. The time is, therefore, right to discuss the trajectory of Thai foreign policy in the coming months, always assuming that there is a need to do so to keep up with the rapidly changing international landscape.
Can Jakarta push peace in Myanmar?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/05/2023
» By this weekend, the world will find out whether the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) -- under Indonesian chairmanship -- will be able to overcome challenges in Myanmar's peace process and bridge the divisions among various stakeholders.
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.