Showing 1 - 10 of 61
Hun Manet's high-stakes scam pledge
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/03/2026
» With international criticism mounting, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has launched a major effort to repair Cambodia's reputation, promising that all online scam centres in the country will be eliminated by next month.
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.
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.
Thailand's contributions to UN at 80
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/09/2025
» The United Nations turns 80 years old this year. Thailand is a strong supporter of the UN's agenda and its multilateral efforts. It has never run against the UN decisions.
Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/07/2025
» It appeared to be a done deal. During their summit on May 26, Asean leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Since then, Nay Pyi Taw has raised an unexpected objection, with the junta issuing an official statement that could potentially embarrass Asean and its current chair, Malaysia.
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.
Asean's strategy against US tariffs
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 22/04/2025
» On April 2, President Donald Trump's so-called "Liberation Day" quickly morphed into "Solidarity Day" for all 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
Public trust key in Koh Kut challenge
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/11/2024
» Recently, the Paetongtarn Shinawatra government and her praetorian guards have been up in arms, defending their position on the 2001 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand and Cambodia. She has said that the government will negotiate with Phnom Penh and will soon establish a joint technical committee to do just that.
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 omen of Paetongtarn's leadership
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/08/2024
» Paetongtarn Shinawatra's political ascension as the country's 31st prime minister is unprecedented in Thai history -- it is also a moment of reckoning for the country's political future. Her father, Thaksin, wasted no time recapturing the spotlight, positioning himself as the Nostradamus who knew everything just days after her official appointment. His demeanour and words have reminded all Thais of the dangers inherent in dynastic politics. Will it impact her ability to govern independently and effectively?