Anwar taps Thaksin for Asean role

Govt praises the visit as beneficial for Thailand

Thaksin Shinawatra
Thaksin Shinawatra

The government has welcomed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra‘s appointment as an informal adviser, which the government says will help the two countries ‘ efforts to achieve peace in southern Thailand and joint development efforts.

When Malaysia assumes the chairman of the regional alliance next month, Mr. Anwar said he would nominate Thaksin as an unofficial adviser on Asean matters.

The program was announced by Mr Anwar at a combined press conference on Monday with Thaksin’s girl, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in Putrajaya.

Thaksin served as Thailand’s premier secretary from 2001 to 2006.

” I have agreed to appoint]Thaksin ] as my informal adviser on chairing Asean, along with a team of members from Asean countries in an informal setup”, the Bernama news agency quoted him as saying.

” Thank you for agreeing to this, as we need to benefit from the experience of such a statesman”, Mr Anwar said during the joint press conference.

After Laos leaves its seat this year, Malaysia may assume the presidency of the Asean.

Phumtham Wechayachai, the minister of defense, announced on Tuesday that Thaksin would make an official director option for Mr. Anwar.

” Thaksin has expertise in solving Thailand’s difficulties and gained recognition from various locations. He even served as an assistant in some places”, said Mr Phumtham, who also serves as a deputy prime minister.

” Mrs. Anwar’s advice may contribute to the two countries ‘ economic growth. In specific, the appointment may gain efforts to address issues in the heavy South”.

When asked if the Thai authorities did consider appointing Thaksin as its assistant, Mr. Phumtham said it largely depends on whether the rules would permit him to do so.

” If the law allows, the government is ready to talk to his advice”, he said.

Mr. Phumtham even shone adulation that Thaksin might interfere with other Asean people ‘ interests while acting as Mr. Anwar’s advisor.

Since the Malay excellent minister has recognized the features of the original Thai premier, Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong announced on Tuesday that Mr. Anwar intends to appoint Thaksin as an assistant. He claimed that Thaksin’s appointment would be beneficial for local grouping peace efforts and other regional grouping issues.

Romadon Panjor, a record MP for the major opposition group, claimed Mr. Anwar’s decision to appoint Thaksin as an assistant will help Thailand address the issue in the deep north, the turmoil in Myanmar, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The South China Sea problems involve beach and coastal states among many countries, such as Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and China.