Showing 1 - 10 of 56
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.
Fighting cybercrime needs bolder action
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/12/2025
» Much has been said about the scourge of online scams and cybercrime.
Rethinking Asean's Palestine strategy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/10/2025
» Has the Asean chair upped the ante on the bloc's strategy regarding Palestine?
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.
Asean's balancing act gains momentum
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/08/2025
» In the middle of the Covid-19 crisis, a tentative idea was raised at the Chongqing virtual meeting between Asean-China foreign ministers in June 2021, for Asean Plus Two. The two referred to the US and China. The bloc's leaders were quite worried that US-China rivalry, especially during the pandemic, would result in catastrophic outcomes for the regional economy and its integration.
Time for this unnecessary war to end
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 29/07/2025
» It was a war everyone saw coming. After weeks of provocations and inflammatory rhetoric across the Thai–Cambodian border since May 28, the failure to de-escalate tensions finally erupted into deadly border skirmishes. Despite diplomatic efforts, no fruitful progress was made. As diplomacy faltered, ultra-nationalism made inroads, and rhetoric gave way to border clashes beginning last Thursday.
Is Asean now a new 'balancing wheel'?
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/07/2025
» Last week's Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting reflects its continued relevance in an increasingly unstable world. Amid US unilateralism and US President Donald Trump's tariff nationalism, Asean has reasserted itself as a balancing wheel -- a stabilising force on which its dialogue partners can still depend.
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.
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.
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.