Showing 11 - 20 of 40
Can Laos stand the spotlight?
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 05/09/2016
» Laos has adopted the efficient practice of hosting two Asean summits at one go. Why bother organising two events months apart? We already have a lot of domestic homework and who wants to meet world leaders that often, especially if all they're going to do is nag us about democracy and human rights?
The Sea that must not be named
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 18/07/2016
» The fallout from a landmark ruling on the South China Sea will cloud the atmosphere of the Asean foreign ministers' meeting in Vientiane this week.
What's the point of Asean?
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 08/08/2016
» Asean is now in its 49th year of existence, so what better time for a quick quiz? Sincerely answer the following question, even if the subject is something you ignore for the other 364 days of the year.
Thailand's farcical UN campaign
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 04/07/2016
» There are no real friends or foes, only domestic interests that are imperative in the international political setting, diplomats like to say. Thailand's military government should sign up for this lesson in International Relations 101, if it cares to learn more.
The Lady comes calling
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 20/06/2016
» The visit this week by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will certainly brighten the spirits of the sombre Thai people and could also lift the profile of the Thai junta and Myanmar's top leader.
Despite gains, China still second fiddle to West, analysts say
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 30/05/2016
» Thai military rule may complicate and weaken Asean's position in the international security setting, but the gestures made to date by the junta should not be seen as a shift from the western-allied camp to China, analysts caution.
After Jakarta, Asean must tackle the roots of radicalisation
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 25/01/2016
» The terrorist attacks in Jakarta have underlined the need for Asean leaders and security authorities to address the conditions that have resulted in a growing number of young people turning to jihadist movements such as Islamic State.
No sign of letup in methamphetamine scourge
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 26/10/2015
» The use of methamphetamine continues to rise in most countries in Asia and the Pacific. Seizures of methamphetamine in both pill and crystalline forms have again reached record levels in the region, new figures show.
Kicking the habit
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 26/10/2015
» Myanmar still faces big challenges in the area of narcotics control, and while a ceasefire agreement with some ethnic groups might set a positive tone, collaboration to control precursor chemicals on its western border remains weak.
In search of trust
Asia focus, Achara Ashayagachat, Published on 30/11/2015
» It's a bitter and tragic story whenever we hear about casualties from bombings or shootings in the seemingly never-ending conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. Many outsiders, who find the conflict confusing if they haven't tuned out the news altogether, wonder when and how it will ever end.