27-12-2024 (BANGKOK) Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has held his first official meeting with Malaysian Premier Anwar Ibrahim following his recent appointment as adviser on ASEAN affairs, marking a significant development in regional diplomatic relations.
The high-level consultation, which took place on Thursday, focused on pressing regional matters, including the ongoing peace process in southern Thailand and the Myanmar crisis, though the precise location of their meeting remained undisclosed.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took to social media platform X to herald the meeting with his “dear friend” Thaksin, emphasising the former Thai leader’s extensive regional connections and diplomatic experience as crucial assets for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, which commences next month.
“Thaksin brings unprecedented regional networking capabilities and expertise that will significantly enhance Malaysia and ASEAN’s ability to address regional challenges,” Anwar stated in his social media post.
The advisory role was first announced during a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, in Putrajaya on 16 December. Whilst Malaysian officials remained tight-lipped about the meeting’s location, The Edge Malaysia suggested the talks were conducted on Langkawi island.
Thai media outlets reported that Thaksin was spotted departing Koh Li Pe in Thailand’s Satun province aboard a luxury vessel on Thursday, heading to an unspecified destination. The meeting follows their previous encounter in Phuket in May 2024.
This appointment represents a notable development in Malaysia-Thailand relations and potentially signals a new chapter in regional diplomatic coordination as Malaysia prepares to assume the ASEAN leadership role.
