Malaysian PM denies interfering in Thai politics over Thaksin appointment

Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim has denied meddling in Thailand’s internal politics, despite his appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as chief advisor to the ASEAN chair.

Anwar said he simply wants to make the most of Thaksin’s experience and extensive network.

“Dr Thaksin is an old personal friend of mine. I wish to make it clear that we do not involve ourselves in the domestic politics of Thailand,” Anwar said during a press briefing in Bangkok.

Explaining Thaksin’s appointment as head of the ASEAN Informal Advisory Group, Anwar said it facilitates follow-up on related work, adding, “We have very important personalities designated by each leader, in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia.”

Anwar said he had informed his ASEAN counterparts that Thaksin’s experience and network are being used to help strengthen ASEAN’s role as a cohesive regional force.

“… and it’s not just him. We also have key personalities from other countries on the team. Normally, their discussions are independent. I don’t participate,” he added.

“Thaksin is devoting a lot of his time and we acknowledge and appreciate his contributions,” Anwar said.

Anwar’s appointment of Thaksin, widely regarded as the power behind his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn’s administration, has sparked criticism, given Thaksin’s past conviction on corruption charges and the prison sentence he received.

He returned to Thailand last year, after decades in self-imposed exile, and was granted parole earlier this year, on the condition that he seek court approval before leaving the country.

The appointment raised eyebrows, because Thaksin would, of course, need to travel abroad to fulfil his advisory role, requiring court permission each time.

In March, Dr Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the royalist Thai Pakdee Party, submitted a petition to the Malaysian ambassador in Thailand, accusing Malaysia of interfering in Thai politics by appointing Thaksin.