No lesson here
Re: "Can Russia 'rise' again in Asean?", (Opinion, March 3).
Kavi Chongkittavorn's article about Russia and Asean proves why the craft of journalism requires experience. I've read a lot of emotional rants regarding Russia by other journalists and yet Kavi's style and approach to difficult subjects are probably the best way to understand a relationship that some might wish to be avoidable.
I applaud Kavi for unbiased accurate analysis and his balanced information surrounding the horrific treatment of Ukrainian families and children in occupied territories -- not to mention senior citizens, those with special needs, the wounded, and those now homeless because of the war.
This article raises the most relevant issue to many Asean members, which is how can Russia with its many problems possibly help Asean members?
My experience working for governments in Korea and Malaysia was they genuinely wanted to improve the lives of their people by adapting to a competitive world.
Yet Russia's aggression and battlefield losses are something from past centuries. Most members of Asean want improvements to help their citizens, and Thailand is likely the same.
My own question about Russia and Asean is, behind the rhetoric and politeness, do Asean members really believe that Russia has anything to offer? Or is the only thing on offer the lesson which Asean members already know, that wars and instability often lead to political instability and regime change?
Thank you for distilling down the real issues for readers.
