'Liberal democracy' can aid ASEAN on superpower rivalry: former Thai FM

13 Sept 08:25 Key points summarised by AI

Former Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya and a regional expert advocate for "liberal democracy" as a crucial shared ideology for ASEAN to navigate complex geopolitical challenges.
This unified belief is presented as essential for ASEAN to effectively manage superpower rivalry between the US and China, resolve regional crises like Myanmar's, and address citizens' growing demands for freedom and rights.
They propose a structural "revolution" within ASEAN, including a charter revamp, democratic membership conditions, and new institutions like an ASEAN Parliament, to strengthen the bloc's unity and global relevance.
Embracing liberal democratic values and redefining existing agreements would enable ASEAN to assert its centrality and maintain a neutral, influential stance amidst emerging security alliances such as Quad and AUKUS.

Uthenthawai students and alumni declare truce with Pathumwan rivals

Yesterday 20:34 Key points summarised by AI

Uthenthawai students and alumni have pledged to cease violent clashes with Pathumwan Institute rivals, coinciding with their campus's reopening after a 90-day closure.
The Minister of Higher Education is mediating the long-running conflict, while the campus closure has significantly disrupted in-person classes and laboratory work for over 1,000 students.
Uthenthawai resists relocation from its current site, citing a historical land grant from King Rama VI, despite Chulalongkorn University's plans to reclaim the land for an educational hub.
Concerns are mounting over the legality of the campus closure, its detrimental impact on uninvolved students, and the potential commercial development of the land, which critics argue contradicts the late King Rama VI's intentions.