PM meets with 'adviser' Thaksin, discuss regional issues

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has met with former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra to discuss critical regional issues.

• Anwar says these include peace efforts in southern Thailand and the Myanmar crisis.

• They also exchanged views on how to strengthen ties between Malaysia and Thailand.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has met former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to discuss several critical regional issues, including pioneering peace efforts in Southern Thailand and addressing the crisis in Myanmar.

Anwar said the meeting with Thaksin, whom he described as a dear friend, involved extensive discussions on several important matters, including Thaksin’s role as an unofficial adviser to the Asean chair.

“Thaksin’s unparalleled network of relationships across the region, coupled with his unique expertise, promises to open invaluable opportunities for Malaysia and Asean to address these challenges with greater confidence and efficacy,” he said in a post on Facebook.

Anwar said they also exchanged views on efforts to strengthen Malaysia-Thailand ties, in line with the vision and understanding Anwar shared with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently.

“We have shared the same belief for decades that Malaysia and Thailand are capable of achieving various successes together for both countries and the region. Insya-Allah, Thaksin and I are committed to realising this vision,” he said.

Anwar, currently in Langkawi, did not reveal where the meeting with Thaksin occurred.

On Tuesday, Thai media quoted Thaksin as saying the meeting yesterday was scheduled to take place at an undisclosed location in Thailand.

On June 18, the Thai Criminal Court in Bangkok reportedly granted Thaksin bail with a bond of 500,000 baht (US$13,600), just hours after the attorney-general officially charged him with defaming the monarchy and the less serious offence of violating the Computer Crime Act.

The Lèse-Majesté offence in Thailand carries a potential prison term of up to 15 years.

The court prohibited the billionaire tycoon from leaving the country and set a new hearing for Aug 19.

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