Showing 1 - 10 of 1,190
Towards strategic Thai-French ties
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/05/2024
» In April 2022, Thailand learned that French President Emmanuel Macron was keen to engage with the Asia-Pacific region in person. As the host of the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting (Apec) in October of that year, former deputy prime minister and foreign minister Don Pramudwinai quickly issued an invitation to the president to attend as a guest. The rest, as they say, is history.
Why EU Day matters for Thailand
Oped, Published on 09/05/2024
» The European Union was born out of war to prevent war in the future between historic enemies. After World War II many European leaders wanted to try a new form of international cooperation to break out of the cycle of war which had dogged Europe every 50 years or so, going back through the centuries. Following the declaration by French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, on May 9, 1950, six countries agreed henceforth to manage jointly between them the industries needed to wage war -- coal, iron, steel -- instead of continuing to manage them purely nationally.
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.
Lifting Asean's efforts with Myanmar
Oped, Published on 27/04/2024
» About three years ago, Asean leaders gathered in Jakarta for an emergency summit on Myanmar at which the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) -- entailing the cessation of violence in the country, constructive dialogue among parties to the conflict, the appointment of a special Myanmar envoy and the provision of humanitarian assistance -- was agreed upon with the State Administration Council's (SAC) senior general Min Aung Hlaing.
Solar geoengineering won't help
News, Published on 15/04/2024
» At the most recent United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), held in Nairobi, African countries took a strong stand against potential new technologies that, if developed, could tip an already disrupted climate into chaos.
Dealing with Myanmar
Oped, Editorial, Published on 10/04/2024
» As the civil war between Myanmar junta forces and ethnic rebel groups builds, Thailand will be a focal point for providing humanitarian support to large numbers of refugees expected to flee across the border. Thailand -- as an Asean member and Myanmar neighbour -- is also expected to play a role in fostering negotiations and helping Myanmar return to peace.
In Russia, the really dangerous ones are sane
News, Gwynne Dyer, Published on 08/04/2024
» There are plenty of crazies in Russian politics who make bizarre claims about their country's victim status ("the evil West made us do it") and issue blood-curdling but implausible threats about using nuclear weapons on their enemies. But the really dangerous ones are quite sane.
Russian moves block UN probe of North Korea
Oped, Published on 05/04/2024
» In a classic under-the-political radar ploy, Russia has vetoed a UN committee investigating North Korean nuclear missile and banking sanctions violations. The low-profile but highly significant sanctions committee regularly monitors illicit actions by Pyongyang to develop, improve and implement the regime's nuclear weapons and offensive missile programmes.
Democracies can win tech race
Oped, Published on 04/04/2024
» The world is on the precipice of a technological cold war. As authoritarian regimes develop new digital tools that endanger open societies and threaten democratic values, the West must decide whether to compete or concede. Today, the battle for freedom is being fought in Ukraine; but the frontline could one day be in Taiwan, a global technology hub, producing the world's most advanced microchips, and a flourishing democracy less than 160 kilometres off the coast of China, which seems bent on annexing the island.
People-to-people diplomacy a better fit
Oped, Paskorn Jumlongrach, Published on 03/04/2024
» A large crowd gathered near the 2nd Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sot district on the morning of March 25 as the Thai government, through the Thai Red Cross Society and its Myanmar counterpart, released the first batch of humanitarian aid to those affected by fighting between Myanmar army and ethnic resistance forces.