Showing 1 - 10 of 24
Don't rush into embracing Cambodia
Oped, Veera Prateepchaikul, Published on 03/11/2025
» A slip of the tongue has put Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in hot water. Here is what he was quoted to have said that provoked the emotions of anti-Cambodia, ultra-nationalist groups.
Thailand needs a geostrategic rebalance
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 06/06/2025
» With two military coups and multiple judicial interventions that combined to subvert election results and weaken democratic institutions over the past two decades, it is unsurprising that Thailand's geostrategic position has leaned increasingly towards China. Naturally, the more Thailand becomes autocratic, the more it will be estranged from established democracies in Europe and North America, as well as Japan and South Korea, with nowhere to turn but to Beijing. But this China orientation is a geostrategic mistake at this time. Thailand should correct its course until clearer signs emerge as to which side of the superpower struggle will come out on top.
Trump should revisit his tariff schemes
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 08/04/2025
» President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, marking "Liberation Day", hit foes and friends of the US equally. The immediate effect is that Mr Trump has rallied the rest of the world to prepare for a future without US dominance. To put it mildly, they must become less dependent on the US in every possible way -- unless Mr Trump changes his approach.
Charter rewrite faces major setbacks
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 22/02/2025
» Political parties, particularly those in the government coalition, have shown their true colours as the charter amendment process unfolds. Meanwhile, amid it all, the opposition People's Party has shown that it remains committed to changing the junta-sponsored supreme law of the country into one that is more democratic.
Thai waters in peril
Oped, Editorial, Published on 15/01/2025
» Thailand's waterways and seas both face ecological crises that could devastate ecosystems, food security, and millions of livelihoods if left unchecked. Two protests this week reflect the urgency of these issues. Small-scale fishermen and environmentalists have gathered at the Senate to oppose an amendment to the Fisheries Act allowing trawlers to sweep clean the sea. Meanwhile, fishermen and aquaculture farmers from 19 provinces have rallied at Government House, demanding the government address the spread of the invasive blackchin tilapia, or pla mor khang dam in Thai, a fish wreaking havoc in river ecosystems across the country.
People's Party's poll losses lead to vital lessons
Oped, Saritdet Marukatat, Published on 24/12/2024
» What a year for the People's Party in 2024. The orangemen are black and blue after two successive political defeats. But that should be treated as good news for them as the two losses gave them a crucial lesson.
The US dollar is a problem for everyone
Oped, Hippolyte Fofack, Published on 20/08/2024
» In 1971, US Treasury Secretary John Connally famously told his counterparts in the G10 that "the dollar is our currency, but it's your problem". Connally was being unexpectedly candid about the fact that, even though the greenback was the world's main reserve currency, its foremost purpose was to advance US interests.
Cambodia starts to flex its muscles
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 09/07/2024
» The Funan Techo Canal -- a US$1.7 billion (62 billion baht) waterway -- reflects Cambodia's growing confidence and assertiveness in pursuing national interests. This water infrastructure projects Cambodia as a viable and dynamic little tiger, no longer a war-torn nation. Under Prime Minister Hun Manet's leadership, Cambodia is taking a more proactive stance overall despite facing objections from neighbours like Vietnam that stand to bear the direct impact of this naval logistics scheme.
Lifting Asean's efforts with Myanmar
Oped, Andrew Ong, Lina Alexandra & Min Zin, Published on 27/04/2024
» About three years ago, Asean leaders gathered in Jakarta for an emergency summit on Myanmar at which the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) -- entailing the cessation of violence in the country, constructive dialogue among parties to the conflict, the appointment of a special Myanmar envoy and the provision of humanitarian assistance -- was agreed upon with the State Administration Council's (SAC) senior general Min Aung Hlaing.
UN condemns Iran's treatment of girls, women
Oped, John J. Metzler, Published on 15/03/2024
» The Iranian regime has been firmly condemned by a UN fact-finding mission investigating the unprovoked killing of Mahsa Amini two years ago, in an incident that set off nationwide protests. Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old student, according to a UN fact-finding mission, died in police custody after violating the Islamic Republic's strict "morality rules" requiring women to wear the headscarf.