President Trump’s words hurt
Last weekend, President Donald Trump called it a “roadside accident” during a phone call with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Opinion pieces and commentary on Thailand's current affairs, in English, from Thai PBS World contributors.
Last weekend, President Donald Trump called it a “roadside accident” during a phone call with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Surprises—good or bad—were inevitable at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana will pay a state visit to China from November 13 to 17. This is the first visit of the King of Thailand to China since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Malaysia’s recent clarification on the so-called “Thailand–Cambodia crisis” must be taken seriously. It has made one thing clear — both countries are following the peace deal they signed in Kuala Lumpur last month.
For more than five decades, ASEAN has been a symbol of regional cooperation and diplomacy. The central part of this success is its rotational chairmanship model, where each country in the bloc takes turns as the Chair according to alphabetical order.
As a founding member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 1989, Thailand sought to strengthen regional cooperation and promote sustainability and inclusivity. At that time, the Thai economy was booming, and its economic voice was influential.
Thailand’s role in ASEAN is now back in focus. After years of quiet diplomacy and domestic distractions, the country has reemerged as an active and constructive member of the regional family.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul can no longer act innocently over the widespread scam centers in neighboring countries. He must give clear directions, not fumble when questioned by the press.
US President Donald Trump has an ego that is sky-high. He has stated unequivocally that he will attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, insisting on chairing the signing ceremony of a “peace agreement” between Thailand and Cambodia.
This month Thailand and Singapore marked the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties without much fanfare. But the quiet celebration said more than loud speeches ever could.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s prepared policy statement to parliament Monday promised handsomely, including debt relief, SME support, reskilling, and clean energy, among others.
Cambodia must comply with every measure agreed upon since the ceasefire agreement was concluded. Any attempt to delay will further erode trust and raise tension.