‘ Give previous PM established role, or get him out,’ argue reviewers
PUBLISHED: 6 Apr 2025 at 04: 49
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa on Saturday moved to understand that the conference between former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a specific one.
But, critics pointed out that it underscores Thaksin’s significant impact on state laws, despite his lack of an established position.
Mr Maris said the meeting between Mr Modi and Thaksin on April 3 was a private conversation and unrelated to the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ( Bimstec) Summit held in Bangkok on Friday.
He spoke out on Saturday after public attention was drawn by a picture Mr Modi posted on social media on Thursday in which he is seen shaking hands with Thaksin.
In his article, he wrote:” It was a pleasure to satisfy Mr Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand. He has considerable experience in leadership and policy. He is a great companion of India and had a comfortable relationship with Atal Ji”.
He added they discussed India-Thailand assistance and its benefits for both countries, touching on possible cooperation in places like as defence, trade and culture.
On Friday, Mr Modi even shared a blog about a meeting with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing during the Bimstec Summit, expressing apologies for new disaster deaths in Myanmar and affirming India’s help.
They discussed enhancing diplomatic ties, especially in system, capacity building and local communication.
However, past Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Thepthai Senpong criticised Thaksin on Facebook, questioning how ideal it was for him to meet global leaders.
He said the former prime minister appears to be acting as if he is the latest leading to and noted the landscape of the image of him and Mr Modi, featuring both the Thai and Indian national flags, resembling an official status function.
Mr Thepthai labelled Thaksin a number of “extra-constitutional effect” and also asked whether Thaksin had met another international rulers during the conference and whether formal venues like Government House had been used to encouraged these leaders.
The original MP urged the government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Mr Thaksin’s child, to define Thaksin’s position.
Mr Thepthai also argued that if Thaksin is playing for an effective political role, the government should fully appoint him as the prime minister’s adviser or top statesman, instead of allowing him to function freely beyond legal oversight, shielding him from political scrutiny.
Maris: Questions over Modi meeting