Past Thai prime secretary Thaksin Shinawatra will make up the casual advisory group headed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to help Malaysia’s Asian presidency in the coming year.
According to authorities, Mr. Anwar’s decision is a deliberate attempt to draw on the expertise of important local figures. They also think that Thaksin’s participation will help bring about peace in southern Thailand and resolve diplomatic disputes that are still unanswered.
When Malaysia assumes the chairman of the regional bloc next month, Mr. Anwar announced last week that he would nominate Thaksin as an unofficial adviser on Asean matters.
This program was revealed during a combined press conference on Monday in Putrajaya, where Mr Anwar was accompanied by Thaksin’s girl, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Thaksin served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006.
Components behind visit
Panitan Wattanayagorn, a former foreign relations teacher at Chulalongkorn University, suggested Malaysia appears to have three targets: international, regional, and diplomatic.
When Mr. Anwar assumes the helm of foreign affairs, Malaysia frequently tries to raise its account abroad. According to him, the nation could rely on a diversified pool of advisors to improve its standing on the global stage.
Malaysia’s new offer to help rebuild Gaza– alongside past leaders from different countries, no just Muslim-majority nations– could reshape how Western nations perceive Malaysia, portraying it as a country with a comprehensive approach, he said.
At the local stage, Mr Anwar aims to promote Asean cohesion and boost Malaysia’s authority in the region, Mr Panitan added.
For example, Malaysia may benefit from Thailand’s role in addressing the Myanmar problems, which could boost its position as Asean head.
Also, Malaysia’s complex South China Sea policy may be managed more efficiently with insights from an expert consulting team.
On a diplomatic stage, it is believed that Mr. Anwar has a thorough knowledge of the issues facing southern Thailand.
With major accomplishments from Thai and Malaysian travellers to local markets, Malaysia is Thailand’s main trading partner in Asean.
But, unresolved border issues, immigration issues, and dual citizenship problems remain pressing issues, Mr Panitan said.
Mr. Anwar may try to advance some social initiatives in order to win the support of the 300,000 Malaysian citizens who share their nationality.
Thailand, he added, could use this engagement to tackle domestic issues like dual citizenship and biological systems, which Malaysia has now implemented with Singapore but not Thailand.
” Appointing former officials as experts is great exercise, provided there is no conflict of interest”, he said.
As it strives to become a major commercial hub, Mr. Panitan said Malaysia may be facing a potential energy shortage.
Southwestern Thailand, where fresh power plants are being planned, could supply electricity to Malaysia, reducing its need to create more features.
However, he also expressed fear Thaksin’s novel role may increase the popularity of Thailand’s ruling Pheu Thai Party, as some local issues remain unresolved.
Panitan: Malaysia appears to have three objectives
Local opportunities
Srisompob Jitpiromsri, director of Prince of Songkla University’s Center for Conflict Studies and Cultural Diversity ( CSCD ), expressed hope that Thailand can use this opportunity to end regional unrest and foster peace.
He thinks Mr. Anwar will give the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Peace (JCPP ), a crucial strategy for reducing violence in southern Thailand, priority.
Although the JCPP was created under the previous Thai administration, details are still needed regarding how to end violence and promote sustainable development. ” Mr Anwar seems keen to address southern Thailand’s violence and the Myanmar crisis as Asean chair”, he said.
In addition, Mr. Srisompob cited the potential for economic growth in Kelantan and the southern border of Malaysia. Real plans were demanded by the CSCD director as opposed to lengthy discussions.
When asked whether Thaksin’s advisory role might increase the ruling party’s standing in southern Thailand, he suggested the Prachachat Party and other coalition partners might stand to gain instead.
Srisompob: Could help to solve unrest in Deep South
For Asean’s benefit
Pheu Thai list-MP Noppadon Pattama highlighted that Mr Anwar is seeking advisers with experience, vision, and strong regional connections.
This approach, Mr Noppadon said, demonstrates Mr Anwar’s awareness of the benefits Asean stands to gain while simultaneously strengthening ties with Thailand.
” I believe there’s little to lose for Thailand. Thaksin might have a smaller impact on his time spent in the nation, which is the only possible negative. On the positive side, this appointment underscores the value of Thailand’s human resources, which are recognised as important at both regional and global levels”, said the former foreign minister.
Mr. Noppadon hoped Mr. Anwar’s initiative would bring positive changes to the area, but he was unsure as to which particular issues the Malaysian leader would prioritize.
He said that Asean’s main challenge is finding unity, which is currently hampered by Myanmar’s internal problems. Establishing peace and security, he said, is essential to making the bloc more appealing to investors.
According to Mr. Noppadon, citing reports that Thaksin had been negotiating with Myanmar’s ethnic groups, such discussions might lead to lasting solutions there.
He emphasised, however, that Thaksin’s role is as an adviser to the Asean chair, not as an aide to the Malaysian prime minister.
This distinction, he said, ensures the position does not interfere with the internal affairs of any member state.
When asked about Asean’s reputation abroad, Mr. Noppadon claimed that the success of the bloc depends not so much on Thaksin but rather on how well the group collectively addresses internal issues work.
He applauded Asean’s commitment to finding practical solutions to the Myanmar crisis rather than just holding discussions that fail to produce any tangible outcomes.
If the Myanmar conflict is resolved, Asean will be able to demonstrate to the international community that he is capable of managing its affairs, he said.
Regarding Thailand, Mr. Noppadon claimed that Malaysia has facilitated peace negotiations between Thailand and rebel groups in a significant way.
He added that the two men’s shared goals could advance these discussions further and foster lasting peace.
Addressing criticism that Thaksin’s appointment might overshadow his daughter, Ms Paetongtarn, Mr Noppadon urged the public to focus on the benefits Thaksin could bring.
” The prime minister has constitutional authority. She is not overshadowed. He said it’s more important to concentrate on how both parties are attempting to resolve pressing issues.
Noppadon: Asean prime motive to achieve unity
Paetongtarn overshadowed?
Rangsiman Rome, a list MP from the opposition People’s Party ( PP ), said Thaksin’s influence within the ruling party could suggest his appointment aligns with Malaysia’s strategic interests, such as advancing peace talks in Thailand’s deep South and addressing the Myanmar conflict.
Mr. Rangsiman acknowledged that the peace negotiations have encountered numerous obstacles as chairman of the House Committee on Security.
However, he expressed hope Thaksin’s involvement could lead to meaningful progress.
Mr. Rangsiman suggested that Malaysia might try to leverage Thailand’s assistance in resolving bilateral problems, such as economic and border trade relations, to improve bilateral relations.
Mr. Rangsiman claimed that Srettha Thavisin, the former prime minister, and Mr. Anwar had frequent contacts during his brief presidency, which highlights the significance of these ties.
When asked whether Thailand stands to gain or lose from Thaksin’s appointment, Mr Rangsiman admitted there is no definitive answer.
However, he noted the situation has prompted questions about Ms Paetongtarn’s leadership.
” Thaksin is widely regarded as the de facto head of the government.
If Ms Paetongtarn’s leadership continues to be questioned, it could undermine her credibility and public confidence”, he said.
Regarding potential interference in Thailand’s internal affairs, Mr Rangsiman said there is no cause for concern.
He claimed that Asean’s primary objective was to strengthen his abilities by appointing Thaksin and other former leaders as advisers.
With Asean as the main coalition party, the Pheu Thai Party, according to Mr. Rangsiman, is viewed as a suitable candidate for this position and is unlikely to cause conflict within the government, he said.
Rangsiman: Thaksin could encourage progress