Showing 1 - 10 of 68
Thai foreign policy to shift with new foreign minister
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/05/2024
» It's not comforting to discuss Thai foreign policy at the moment, as one can hardly tell what is going to happen next.
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.
What joining OECD means to Thailand
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/04/2024
» Thailand's bid to become a member of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) could be extremely challenging owing to the ever-changing geopolitical landscape, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Since the release of the OECD's Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework last year, the Paris-based intergovernmental organisation has been doubling its efforts to woo more members from the region. Both the region's No.1 and No.2 economies, Indonesia and Thailand, are high on the list.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Xi's visit signals better Sino-Vietnam ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/12/2023
» About 18 hours ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's trip here, at the Tam Vi, a Michelin-star Vietnamese restaurant, a group of young Chinese entrepreneurs were discussing the prospects of his historic visit on Dec 12-13.
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.