Trump's offer divides pundits

US President Donald Trump's invitation to have Thailand join his proposed Board of Peace to handle the situation in the Gaza Strip has divided opinion, with experts weighing the strategic opportunities against concerns about neo-colonial influence.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH PORAMET TANGSATHAPORN

Assoc Prof Panitan Wattanayagorn, a security and foreign affairs scholar, said the move represents a reconfiguration of US politics in relation to world politics, a transition towards a new form and a restructuring of the global order.

The initiative reflects a restructuring that could operate independently of the United Nations, an ambition long held by successive US administrations but now pursued more decisively under Mr Trump, Mr Panitan said.

“The United Nations has failed to resolve many peacebuilding challenges. Peacekeeping missions in Europe, Latin America and Africa have repeatedly fallen short, prompting an attempt to reshape the global system,” he added.