Lessons from the Asean SummitAs Thailand prepares to wind down its year-long chairmanship of Asean, it's time to reflect on the state of the 10-country alliance and relations with its dialogue partners. Based on what happened at the 35th Asean Summit from Nov 2-4 in Bangkok, the outlook is mixed. Despite the RCEP setback, the Asean summit and related meetings showcased the achievement of Thailand and the advancement of Asean in the international arena, said Piti Srisangnam, director of the Asean Studies Center at Chulalongkorn University. CHILLY RECEPTIONFor fans of diplomatic intrigue, the highlight -- or lowlight -- of the Asean summit was the frosty reception accorded the downgraded delegation from the United States. "Asean countries have tolerated the US treating them like this for a long time," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post November 11, 2019 02:19 UTC