• OPINION

  Repatriation of Thais needs ramping up

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 12/05/2020

  » In recent weeks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has accelerated efforts to bring Thai citizens stranded overseas back home. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the one issue that has tarnished the Thai government's positive image both inside and outside the country has been the stringent measures adopted by the Prayut administration with regard to the repatriation of Thais stuck overseas.

• OPINION

  Thailand's black site: Who is accountable?

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/05/2018

  » Suddenly Thailand, a name synonymous with coups and democratic struggles, has been mentioned repeatedly by US lawmakers and TV personalities over the last few weeks.

• OPINION

  Thailand's regional security makeover

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/03/2024

  » After more than six months in power, border security-related issues have emerged as the Srettha government's non-economic top priority.

• OPINION

  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.

• OPINION

  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.

• OPINION

  Thai-Cambodian ties enter a new era

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/01/2024

  » Exactly 37 days before Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet was due to fly to Bangkok on Feb 7 for a one-day official visit, Cambodia extended Thai border pass access to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located. This was an act of goodwill as the proposal has been on the table for discussions since Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's visit to Phnom Penh in September -- his first official foreign destination after being elected Thai leader.

• OPINION

  Meaningful policy on Myanmar needed

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/01/2024

  » The fall of Laukkai in Myanmar's Kokang Self-Administered Zone to rebel forces is one of the most significant developments in the conflict in Myanmar since the coup took place in 2021. Why? It shows the State Administration Council's (SAC) inability to protect its territory from the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which launched a fierce offensive dubbed "Operation 1027" at the end of October last year, threatening the junta's hold on the northern Shan state, which borders China, and other remote areas in the region.

• OPINION

  Lao PDR is ready for Asean challenges

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/12/2023

  » Starting Jan 1, Lao PDR will officially take over the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). This comes at a critical time as uncertainty increases regionally and globally. The growing competition among major powers has already had chilling effects on the region and beyond, never mind the ongoing issues of climate change and supply chain crises. Taking the helm for the third time, Vientiane will have to be proactive due to the urgency of such challenges.

• OPINION

  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.

• OPINION

  Ripe time to boost Thai-Vietnamese ties

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/12/2023

  » Thai-Vietnamese ties have come a long way since they were first established in the 12th century. It is high time for both countries to sit down and work together towards a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).

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