Showing 11 - 20 of 114
Welcome to Thailand: Ganja anyone?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/02/2022
» Thank Lord Buddha! The Land of Smiles is not going to turn into the land of ganja any time soon. That means you still cannot smoke pot openly as you will be jailed. However, omelets mixed with ganja or kratom leaves or deep broth with wagyu beef are popular dishes and highly recommended for persons who need a quick stir for their emotions.
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.
Can Hun Manet deliver in the top job?
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 14/12/2021
» It has taken Prime Minister Hun Sen almost a decade to announce his political successor, which he did on Dec 2. At first, he has in mind at least four choices -- the first pair comprising his two sons, Hun Manet and Hun Many and the second pair of senior colleagues, Sar Kheng and Say Chumm of Cambodia People's Party. Then, he decided to focus on the first pair.
Thailand-UN at 75: Peace and security
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 07/12/2021
» There are a few things at which Thailand has excelled at the United Nations: Multilateralism, South-South cooperation, social development, women's empowerment, drug control, peace-keeping and global health security to name a few. But one notable achievement is the country's attempt to rid the world of dangerous nuclear weapons, very much to the chagrin of powerful allies and friends.
Thai sway on Paris more than food
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 23/11/2021
» It is almost impossible to convince the French that there are other cuisines in the whole wide world better than theirs. But in recent years, Thai cuisine has made great leaps in the gastronomy-loving country. Thai street food is booming, especially now that food trucks offering five-spice braised hog leg, pad thai and green curry are in vogue.
Govt backs information as public good
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 30/11/2021
» At the recent Unesco General Conference this month, one of the key issues discussed and debated among member countries was the state of global media development. The overall picture painted was very gloomy. For one thing, traditional journalism, for which the writer needs to be on the ground to report, is vanishing fast. In newsrooms around the world, the craft of journalism is becoming a rarity due to budget constraints in terms of hiring staffers to report, check and verify sources, as well as put into context all the information received.
Thailand's high stakes for Apec 2022
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/11/2021
» Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was happy to have a chat and a photo with US President Joe Biden at COP26 in Glasgow last week. Gen Prayut also took the opportunity to personally invite Mr Biden to Bangkok for the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders Meeting (Apec) in late November next year. He could have done the same to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin if they were there but unfortunately but both leaders only participated in COP26 via online.
Policy on Myanmar must be prudent
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 16/11/2021
» Ten months into the crisis in Myanmar, Thailand is still scrambling for a well-balanced policy that would lessen the anxiety of all the peoples of Myanmar, both living in and outside the country. The latest news of a new influx of migrant workers across the Thai-Myanmar border has sent a chilling message to the Thai authorities, especially those who deal with national security.
Boosting human rights in Thailand
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/10/2021
» Thailand's human rights record will be the subject of global scrutiny on Nov 10. The members of the UN Human Rights Council will examine the country's performance during its third universal periodic review (UPR). It will be an extraordinary event for Thailand as it is battling both domestic political turmoil and the coronavirus pandemic, which has allegedly led to numerous unwarranted violations of human rights.
Cambodia takes to global stage again
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 02/11/2021
» For the next 365 days, every move Cambodia, especially Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, makes or takes will be scrutinised by strategists and political pundits around the world. Phnom Penh will be the new fulcrum in the post-pandemic era to which global leaders can converge and discuss their future, which could further intensify cooperation or tension. After nearly four decades of continuous power, Hun Sen's brinkmanship is well known and most of all, he knows exactly what he wants to say and do. Uniquely, none of the regional leaders knows the region's pulse and global politics as well as Hun Sen.