Showing 1 - 10 of 39
Flat fare flaw
Oped, Postbag, Published on 10/07/2025
» Re: "20-baht flat rate fare gets the nod", (BP, July 9).
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.
Nay Pyi Taw's goals still out of reach
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 04/02/2025
» As Myanmar's crisis enters its fifth year this week, there is still no light at the end of the tunnel.
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.
Why racial labels?
Oped, Postbag, Published on 25/01/2025
» Re: "Indian man 'kills delivery man'", (BP, Jan 23).
The pigeon menace
Oped, Postbag, Published on 29/06/2024
» Re: "Travellers urged to monitor for symptoms of bird flu", (BP, June 15).
Skimming Thailand
Oped, Postbag, Published on 13/04/2024
» Re: "Task force files cases against 400", (BP, April 5).
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.
Lao Asean chair: better comfort level
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 06/02/2024
» The outgrowth of the latest Asean foreign ministers' retreat in Luang Prabang last week palpably shows a better comfort level between the host and their colleagues. Such a casual atmosphere generated better outcomes without politicising or dragging on contentious issues. Most importantly, Vientiane's diplomatic finesse is highly visible in its third chairmanship in approaching Asean-related issues and challenges: the thinking is less is more with clear-cut priorities. If this trajectory continues, the Lao chair will be lauded.
Why we need to care about Myanmar
Oped, Johanna Son, Published on 03/02/2024
» Myanmar is entering its fourth year since the Feb 1, 2021 military coup. Its multiple crises continue -- a mix of economic difficulties and a humanitarian catastrophe -- at a time when armed conflict, including anti-junta resistance, has now spread to most of its regions.