BANDUNG, SEATIZENS – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has named former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal advisor for ASEAN next year. Anwar announced on December 17, 2024, that Thaksin’s role would be informal and would include advisors from several of ASEAN’s ten member countries. Anwar shared the news at a press conference with Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s youngest daughter and a prominent Thai politician.
“Thank you for accepting this role. We need the insights of an experienced statesman like you,” Anwar said, praising Thaksin’s expertise.
Thaksin’s Political Legacy and Recent Developments
Thaksin, 75, has played a significant role in Thai politics for two decades. His influence is expected to shape the current government. He faced a ban from office after a conviction for abuse of power and conflict of interest. Thaksin lived in self-imposed exile for 15 years, during which he remained central to Thailand’s political turmoil.
He made a dramatic return to Thailand in August 2023. Initially sentenced to eight years in prison, the Thai king reduced his sentence to one year within days. Thaksin spent only hours in prison before he was transferred to a hospital due to health issues. After six months, he received medical parole in February.
While Thaksin claims he has retired from politics, his royalist and military rivals doubt this. They believe he still influences his daughter’s government. Thaksin remains active in the ruling Pheu Thai Party, which he founded, and frequently speaks on government policies.
Thaksin has met with influential leaders like former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He also aims to mediate the ongoing crisis in military-ruled Myanmar, a significant challenge for Anwar’s ASEAN leadership. In May, Thailand’s foreign minister confirmed that Thaksin met with Myanmar junta opponents to promote negotiations.
(Firyal Trinidad)
