• OPINION

  Thai-EU free trade deal on the horizon

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/04/2024

  » If everything goes as planned, Thailand and the EU could sign a free trade agreement by mid-next year, in what is another example of the European Union's increasing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

• OPINION

  The secret new Thai-French relations

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/11/2023

  » The photos at the Elysee Palace in Paris said it all. French President Emmanuel Macron posing with Somdet Phra Maha Theerajarn -- the abbot of Wat Pho -- their hands firmly clasped, not only manifested the affinity between Thailand and France, but also their leaders and people, as well as their spiritual inspiration.

• OPINION

  Acmecs: The power of working together

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 03/10/2023

  » Amid great geopolitical realignment and unpredictability, existing and new mini-lateral groups throughout the world have been revitalised or created. Their common objective is a simple one -- finding their own niche to augment their bargaining power for national and regional preservation. Mainland Southeast Asia is no exception. To survive in a multipolar world, every nation, big or small, must be on full alert 24/7.

• OPINION

  Bimstec: A new force of the Global South

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 25/07/2023

  » All of a sudden, the countries around the Bay of Bengal are coming to the fore and raising their profiles. They know full well that this vast maritime enclave, with its plentiful resources and potential benefits, is another important strategic landscape. So, it is better to get their act together.

• OPINION

  New Thai-Malaysia economic dynamics

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/02/2023

  » Without any diplomatic pleasantries, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha kicked off bilateral talks last week with his Malaysian counterpart, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, by stating clearly that Thai-Malaysian ties have not been progressing very well. The opening remarks drew a big smile from Mr Anwar as a sign of appreciation. It immediately set the tone of his two-day visit.

• OPINION

  Bolstering Thailand-India ties at 75

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/08/2022

  » Thailand and India have taken seven-and-a-half decades to transform their close historical and cultural ties into a more strategic trajectory. It is not an easy task as their leaders have been all too comfortable with their longstanding friendly and relatively trouble-free ties. However, the recent three-day high-profile visit of Indian External Affairs Secretary Dr S Jaishankar has raised the dynamics of Thailand-India relations to a new level.

• OPINION

  Time to strategise Thai-Philippine ties

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 05/07/2022

  » Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai soon after being sworn in. It was his first meeting with a dignitary from Asean though he had earlier met with representatives from the US, China and Japan. Suddenly, the old flame of friendship between Thailand and the Philippines was being rekindled.

• OPINION

  India and Asean at 30: What's up?

  Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/06/2022

  » On its own, India stands tall and fearless. It long and continued civilisational linkages in the Indo-Pacific are there for all to see. One of the most frequently asked questions today is: Will India lead the Indo-Pacific region? Or, one can turn the question around: Can India lead or does the world's largest democracy have to trail behind the West? It depends on the levels and persons you talk to.

• OPINION

  Lauding RCEP: free trade for (almost) all

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 21/12/2021

  » When the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) comes into force on Jan 1, its member countries can look back with satisfaction at their accomplishments that required more than hard bargaining and negotiations with all kinds of specific instructions from the bosses. Over time those men and women became a family. When they met, they laughed and cajoled, knowing full well what would happen after each session.

• OPINION

  Biden's doctrine and regional fallout

  News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/09/2021

  » It is difficult to imagine the region or the world without US involvement. After the Afghanistan debacle, it has become increasingly clear that President Joe Biden is in reverse gear with his new doctrine. The rest of the world must now come to grips with this new reality, which could come as fast as the collapse of Kabul.

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