Showing 1 - 10 of 42
Phasing out coal makes economic sense
Oped, Rapeepat Ingkasit, Published on 24/12/2025
» Thailand's recent update to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) was met with polite applause from diplomatic circles and global communities. By finally aligning the national net-zero target with the mid-century goals of our neighbours, the kingdom appears to be getting back on track.
Singapore turns 60 with much to show
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 08/08/2025
» No country turns 60 like Singapore. In a neighbourhood of political dynasties and varying shades of autocracies and flawed democracies, the little island state of six million got lucky with its strongman rule. When he died in 2015, Singapore's patriarchal founder Lee Kuan Yew left a great country behind. This weekend, Singaporeans can take stock of what's gone by and rightly celebrate its milestone with much to show for.
Bangkok for the next Trump-Kim talks?
Oped, Suthichai Yoon, Published on 06/08/2025
» Some might call it improbable. Others might say it's unrealistic. But proposing Bangkok as the host city for the next summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is neither fantasy nor wishful thinking -- it's a logical, geopolitically sound proposal rooted in history and diplomacy.
Myanmar's 'my way' vs Asean norms
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/07/2025
» It appeared to be a done deal. During their summit on May 26, Asean leaders agreed to admit Timor-Leste as the 11th member of the regional bloc. Since then, Nay Pyi Taw has raised an unexpected objection, with the junta issuing an official statement that could potentially embarrass Asean and its current chair, Malaysia.
Thai diplomacy is now in need of a reset
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 24/06/2025
» For the record, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has committed the most damaging diplomatic blunder in Thailand's modern history. The leaked 17.6-minute audio clip of a phone call between her and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen was not just embarrassing -- it was devastating, not only for her but for the Thai people and the country.
Tower collapse puts builder in spotlight
Oped, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 02/04/2025
» Even before the dust settled in Bangkok after the March 28 quake, China Railway's 10th Bureau was deleting posts and photos about its key role in constructing the infamous collapsed building.
US-Russia détente will impact Asean
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 11/03/2025
» There is a blessing in disguise in the uncertainties caused by the "American First" policy by US President Donald Trump. That is, the long-awaited US-Russia détente has finally happened, removing the dark clouds hovering over the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (Asean) ties with Eurasia's superpower since the fall of the Berlin Wall. The strained relations have impeded the political and security cooperation between the regional bloc and Russia.
The cost of speaking up
Oped, Editorial, Published on 13/02/2025
» Many have rightly been shocked by the jail sentence handed down to National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) member Prof Emeritus Pirongrong Ramasoota for her legal battle with the True Digital Group.
Major takeaways from Langkawi
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 28/01/2025
» Beyond the mundane 44 paragraphs of the Chairman's Statement of the Asean Ministers' Retreat in Langkawi, there are crucial elements worth mentioning and following up on.
Regional antidotes to counter Trump
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 26/11/2024
» The return of Donald Trump -- now US President-elect, is one of the biggest global shocks. Almost every country is worried about what will happen with the world and economy with the return of Mr Trump's style of protectionism -- this time on steroids. Or, to put it simply, will it be either an "Armageddon" of global instability or a flurry of self-serving deal-making?