Showing 1 - 10 of 89
Can alliances with the US be replaced?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/04/2026
» The increasingly loud debate over the future of alliances -- after reports that the US could scale back or even withdraw from Nato -- is nerve-racking. It has caused alarm across Europe and in Southeast Asia, another node of the US alliance network. Even without any official decision, remarks by US President Donald Trump on social media were enough to shake already fragile US alliances. The question now frequently asked by Thai policymakers is: What comes next if alliances weaken?
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.
Thailand's delicate stance with Israel
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/12/2025
» Now that the last Thai hostage's identity has been confirmed, the time has come for Thailand to reassess its ties with Israel.
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".
Thailand's bid to join Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development by 2030
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/05/2025
» After months of uncertainty over Thailand's intentions, it is now official that the Paetongtarn Shinawatra administration has set an ambitious goal for the country to become a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) by 2030.
US-Russia détente will impact Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/03/2025
» There is a blessing in disguise in the uncertainties caused by the "American First" policy by US President Donald Trump. That is, the long-awaited US-Russia détente has finally happened, removing the dark clouds hovering over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) ties with Eurasia's superpower since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The strained relations have impeded the political and security cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia.
Thaksin looms over Thai foreign policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/01/2025
» Thai diplomacy has recently reared its ugly head. Two approaches are at play -- the official one pronounced in parliament in September and the informal one made by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at any given moment. Truth be told, the latter seems to overshadow the former. The Thaksinisation of Thai foreign policy is coming back with a loud bang.
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.
7 moves to shape 'Future Ready Asean'
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/10/2024
» Seven takeaways from the Vientiane summit will lay the groundwork for boosting the incoming Asean chair's profile and deliverability. These impetuses mean Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will have his work cut out in heralding a new era of "Future Ready Asean".
Solving the Myanmar migrant surge
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/09/2024
» With the civil conflict in Myanmar showing no signs of abating soon, Thailand faces formidable challenges in irregular migration from the country. Without adequate and sustainable solutions, Thailand's overall development, including its economy, society, and security, will be seriously impacted.