Showing 71 - 80 of 913
Laos' heritage town needs preservation
News, Tom Fawthrop, Published on 27/05/2023
» Few sites anywhere in Asia can match the charm and cultural importance of Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos situated on the Mekong River. With a legacy dating back some 800 years, the town and its verdant riverside surroundings were inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1995.
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.
Asean's fight on haze needs rethink
News, Published on 08/05/2023
» Recent land and forest fires have brought haze back after several years of relatively clear skies, which coincided with Covid-19 slowdowns.
Can the region be an epicentrum of growth?
Oped, Published on 27/04/2023
» 'Asean as an Epicentrum of Growth" is the theme of Indonesia's 2023 Asean chairmanship. Is it a reliable and attainable vision? Whilst some may be optimistic about the vision's potential, for us, it sounds more like jargon than a vision.
Vietnam's 'bamboo' foreign policy clout
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 25/04/2023
» Vietnam is the only Southeast Asian country at this critical moment to be facing a major challenge as it attempts to juggle the three great powers -- China, Russia, and the US -- simultaneously. It is as if Hanoi is keeping a dagger, a bomb, and a gun in perpetual mid-air flight to ensure the tripartite relations will not crash along the way. It is bamboo diplomacy Vietnamese style, at its very best in keeping these extraordinary allies and friends at bay. In recent years, the bamboo policy description has been widely used due to the country's distinctive diplomacy.
Thai diplomacy has come full circle
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 18/04/2023
» After eight arduous years, Thai diplomacy has come full circle. With 26 days to go before the next general election on May 14, the international community is wondering whether there will be any change in the country's overall diplomatic outlook. Since the dark days leading up to the intervention in May 2014, Thailand has undertaken an extraordinary journey given the state in which the country was caught with its deteriorated standing in the global community. Critics varied in their assessments of Thai foreign policy under deep stress. Indeed, the long winding diplomatic road revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of strenuous efforts to protect national interests amid the competition of the great powers and in tackling the unavoidable ripple effects caused by an increasingly polarised world.
Power bill boost unfair
News, Editorial, Published on 17/04/2023
» The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) decided recently to impose a single electricity bill rate during May to August.
Challenges in tackling PM2.5 crisis
Oped, Published on 12/04/2023
» Chiang Mai has repeatedly been named the world's most air-polluted city this year. Not exactly a title to be envious about.
Hazy on the details
News, Editorial, Published on 10/04/2023
» The meeting last week among the leaders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos to address the issue of haze and air pollution is a welcome development. However, it is unlikely the virtual meeting, which the prime minister hosted at Government House, will lead to any immediate or effective solutions.
Mekong River agency must step up
Oped, Published on 01/04/2023
» This week from April 2-5, the leaders and relevant ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam will gather in Vientiane, Laos, to reaffirm their commitment to the sustainable development and management of the Mekong's mighty river system.