Showing 1 - 10 of 39
US creates 3 new entrapments in Asia
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 20/04/2021
» With 90 days of the Biden Administration, three new entrapments have been on display by its foreign and security team dealing with China, Asean and the Mekong subregion. Future policies and the implementation of these three areas will have far reaching implications for the region. Notwithstanding the threats posed by Covid-19, they can further endanger and split the region into strategic jigsaw pieces that have the potential to dislocate the superpowers' endgames.
Myanmar crisis: Asean's next moves
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/04/2021
» The recent call by Indonesian President Joko Widodo for a meeting with his colleagues on the Myanmar crisis is gaining traction. It is now possible to say that the proposed leaders' meeting could take place at the end of this month, after the Songkran break and the Muslim Ramadan festival.
US must aim for SE Asia middle ground
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/03/2021
» The outcome of the Alaska tit-for-tat sessions indicates a further freezing of US-China relations. It's a trend that leaves Southeast Asian countries to face the coming perfect storm by themselves.
Can US, China cooperate on Myanmar?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/03/2021
» Can the US transform the "extreme competition" to "extreme cooperation" with China for the sake of Myanmar's people and stability in the region? It is the only question being asked among the regional leaders. The meeting in Anchorage, Alaska this weekend between the leaders of the US and China could kick off a new impetus recalibrating their relations and beyond. The two superpowers can make a difference amid the unpredictable security landscape by continuing constructive dialogues.
Thailand's dilemma in Myanmar crisis
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/03/2021
» Several subjects were on the table last Wednesday when Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai. They discussed the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations as well as the preparations for the scheduled Asean Informal Ministerial Meeting and, of course, the situation in Myanmar.
Thai-Aussie ties are on cloud nine
News, By Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/02/2021
» On Feb 15, a historic milestone was achieved when Their Majesties the King and Queen visited the Australian Embassy -- the first time in the annals of Thailand's external relations that a monarch had visited a foreign mission. Their Majesties were there to view a documentary prepared by the Australian Embassy commemorating the King's time in Australia. Indeed, Thai-Australian relations have come a long way.
The time is right for Thailand to join the CPTPP
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/02/2021
» No more dillydallying. Thailand should join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Otherwise, the "unpreparedness syndrome" will continue to reign in the "hearts and minds" of concerned policy and opinion-makers, further downgrading the country's potential and ability to join free trade arrangements (FTAs) in the future. The economic slowdown wrought by Covid-19 further demands the promotion of trade and investment as well as the country's competitiveness.
Once bitten, twice shy over Myanmar
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/02/2021
» Long before it became a member, Asean was blindly defending Myanmar, believing that pressure from neighbours and regional friends would make a difference. It did but it took an extremely high toll on the bloc's reputation as well as causing uncertainty in the region. Luckily, change came after nearly two decades, but now it has been backsliding.
American First has morphed into First America
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/02/2021
» The confirmation hearing last week of US Secretary of State Antony Blinkin was very telling. In his testimony, Mr Blinkin stated clearly that America has to take the lead because the world cannot organise itself. If other countries take the leading role, American interests could be jeopardised. Therefore, in a nutshell, the isolationist America First policy of former President Donald Trump has already morphed into the outward looking First America of newly elected President Joe Biden. "American leadership still matters," Mr Blinkin declared.
Thailand: In the eye of the coming storm
News, By Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/01/2021
» Last week, in his 229-word congratulatory message to US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha minced no words in stating that as the US' first and oldest treaty partner in Asia, Thailand is very proud of its strategic ties with the United States, which have benefited both countries and their peoples as well as contributed to security, stability and prosperity in the region.