Showing 1 - 10 of 81
Thailand reconsiders its foreign policy
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 10/02/2026
» Thai foreign policy was elevated to a high priority on the policy platforms of many political parties during Sunday's general election. The stakes have risen enormously due to growing public interest following the conflict with Cambodia.
Peace board price tag
Oped, Editorial, Published on 21/01/2026
» Thailand has received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join his newly proposed "Board of Peace", an organisation ostensibly aimed at overseeing the reconstruction and peace process in Gaza following more than two years of devastating conflict.
Thai diplomacy amid global turmoil
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 13/01/2026
» How do we know which way the wind is drifting? This is a frequently asked question amid the tectonic shifts in international politics. Answers vary. Some say the wind blows from Washington, others from Beijing. Some insist it comes from the market, others from geopolitics. Regardless of the answers, Thailand -- thanks to its nimble diplomacy -- has managed to go with the flow without much difficulty.
Exit the Snake, enter the Horse
News, Curtis S Chin and Jose B Collazo, Published on 30/12/2025
» As we bid farewell to 2025, and welcome 2026 -- and soon, the lunar Year of the Horse -- we once again highlight the winners and losers of the year gone by in Asia.
On top of the world in Kathmandu
Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/09/2025
» I was sorry to read about the unrest in Kathmandu this week. As a kid in the UK during the 1950s I used to daydream about far away places with strange-sounding names. One of those places was Kathmandu.
Vietnam steps up as a regional leader
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 19/08/2025
» Vietnam wisely chose South Korea to showcase a new strategic-economic partnership in the region, focusing on growing trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation. As the first country to dispatch a top leader to meet newly elected President Lee Jae-myung, the Hanoi government sends a clear signal to both Northeast and Southeast Asia that South Korea and Vietnam are emerging together as a driving force of regional connectivity and economic growth.
Thai-Vietnamese ties enter new phase
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 17/06/2025
» Vietnam has made significant strides this year in building strong, comprehensive strategic partnerships (CSPs) with four key Asean nations -- Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It is a notable achievement for Hanoi, reflecting its growing confidence and increasing political influence. Earlier batches of CSPs included global powers such as China, Russia, India, South Korea, Japan, the US, and Australia.
An ever evolving MFA turns 150
News, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 15/04/2025
» During his reign from 1851 to 1868, King Mongkut or King Rama IV issued a clear directive to Siamese diplomats in the era of Western Imperialism that they must protect national sovereignty with intelligence and diplomacy.
Asean navigates China-US rivalry for autonomy
Oped, Syed Nizamuddin & Bin Sayed Khassim, Published on 23/11/2024
» With Donald Trump's return to office, Southeast Asia finds itself -- yet again -- paddling between reefs. For Thailand and Malaysia, this means navigating an especially tricky strait. The region is no stranger to this balancing act, or mengayuh antara dua karang, as the Malay proverb goes.
Like bamboo swaying in the wind
News, Philip J Cunningham, Published on 18/11/2024
» When a powerful country comes courting, a smaller country is wise not to reject the courtship out of hand, even if it isn't fully swayed or convinced. The lesser of the two powers may appear to be an eager, willing and ready partner, but there may well be a measure of ambiguity behind the ready acquiescence and responsive smile.