The appointment of National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien as the United States’ Special Envoy to the East Asia Summit should have been seen as a sign of encouragement due to his close connection to the President. But it may also be perceived as a snub as he will be the first US delegate who is deemed to be not senior enough in the pecking order.
Category Archives: Commentaries
In Thailand, High-Speed Train, Low Speed Negotiations
After months of drawn-out and intense negotiations, the contract for the high-speed train project was finally signed to much fanfare and relief. With the three-airport high speed train project going forward, Thailand’s ambitious Eastern Economic Corridor project is one step closer to reality.
Vietnam’s Infrastructure Development Dilemma: The China Factor
Hampered by a lack of capital funding, Vietnam is faced with the dilemma of balancing the country’s infrastructure development needs with the economic and security concerns of accepting loans and investments from China.
All Eyes on the Thai Parliamentary Debate: A Road to Nowhere
The issue of why Prime Minister Prayut did not recite the complete oath during his swearing-in ceremony will be the focus of the upcoming parliamentary debate. Given that the Thai people care little about the issue, the debate could backfire on the opposition.
Anwar’s “Needs-Based Affirmative Action” Has Noble Intentions but Flawed Perspectives
The system-wide change to needs-based policies proposed by Anwar is lacking in details and rooted in nebulous rhetoric, making them likely to fail. Reforms should be pursued sector by sector, and thought through systematically in order to succeed.
Stand-off at Vanguard Bank: A Test of Vietnam – China Relations
China’s increasingly aggressive and threatening actions off Vietnam’s coast has been testing the bilateral relationship between the two countries. While both Beijing and Hanoi have expressed their desire to maintain good relations, the situation is only one accidental collision away from escalation.
Revised Title ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ Hints at Ambivalence
A shift in semantics in ASEAN’s official response to new and emerging Indo-Pacific concepts shows that the grouping has yet to fully internalise the region as part of its strategic culture.
ASEAN, Myanmar, and the Rohingya Issue
Marred by criticisms of being too lenient or too slow, ASEAN’s ability to credibly engage Myanmar on the Rohingya issue was discussed at length during the 34th ASEAN Summit. Unfortunately, this decades-long problem is one that needs time and patience to resolve in a meaningful and lasting manner.
Women MPs in the 2019 Thai Parliament
Thailand scores well when it comes to female leadership in the corporate realm, but this is not replicated in the political realm. While female representation is still low in Thai politics, it has been improving with every election – a promising sign of progress.
Vietnam Extends Anti-corruption Drive Ahead of CPV Congress
Characterised by its slow but sure approach, Vietnam’s anti-corruption campaign has led to the prosecution of an unprecedented number of high-ranking officials. The campaign is set to intensify in the coming years leading up to the Party’s 13th national congress in 2021.