Showing 1 - 10 of 73
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.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
Thais favour proactive foreign policy
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/07/2024
» The Thai public generally views engaging with the international community and regional integration as beneficial. Most Thais see their nation as part of a dynamic and rising region, and they believe Thailand needs to increase international cooperation and play a more active global role in addressing emerging challenges.
Global crises demand unified action
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/05/2024
» The world is facing unprecedented crises. Without revitalising the collective spirit backed by action, the survival of humanity could be at risk.
Myanmar crisis: security and humanity
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/03/2024
» The situation inside Myanmar remains fast-changing and unpredictable, leaving the Srettha government having to recalibrate its policies towards our strife-torn neighbour.
Thailand again bids for UNHRC seat
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/03/2024
» The human rights condition in Thailand is paradoxical. A liberal mindset does not regard the country as a democracy. Instead, it sees it as one lacking in freedom of expression and constantly violating the rights of its own citizens.
Myanmar eyes return to Asean fold
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/02/2024
» To understand the current game plan of Myanmar's military regime, it is perhaps a good time to remind ourselves of the letter written by former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on Aug 19, 2022. The rather blunt personal letter urged the junta leader to implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), saying that if he fails to do so, his Asean colleagues might ban Myanmar from all meetings and recognise the National Unity Government (NUG). In short, Asean would give the seat to the NUG. The letter angered the general, and Hun Sen's practical advice was ignored, including his call for amnesty for four activists who had been sentenced to death. For the past three years, Myanmar's seat at Asean's high-level meetings has been left vacant. Then, on Feb 29, the seat was occupied temporarily.
Lao Asean chair: better comfort level
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/02/2024
» The outgrowth of the latest Asean foreign ministers' retreat in Luang Prabang last week palpably shows a better comfort level between the host and their colleagues. Such a casual atmosphere generated better outcomes without politicising or dragging on contentious issues. Most importantly, Vientiane's diplomatic finesse is highly visible in its third chairmanship in approaching Asean-related issues and challenges: the thinking is less is more with clear-cut priorities. If this trajectory continues, the Lao chair will be lauded.
Myanmar must fully implement 5PC
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/01/2024
» All credible sources indicate that since Operation 1027 was launched at the end of October, the State Administration Council (SAC) has lost approximately 469 military bases in various parts of Myanmar.
Tackling our precarious border scenario
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/12/2023
» While the international community is focusing on the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, another humanitarian crisis is taking place along Thailand's western front as the clashes between Myanmar's government and ethnic armed groups intensify.