Thaksin To Advise Anwar: Political Shifts Ahead for ASEAN

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has appointed Thailand’s former premier and billionaire political figure, Thaksin Shinawatra, as his personal adviser for Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. Anwar announced the decision during a visit by Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter and the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to lead Thailand.

“Thank you for agreeing to this because we need the benefit of the experience of such a statesman,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with Paetongtarn. Thaksin’s advisory role will be informal, alongside input from representatives of other ASEAN member states. His decades-long political experience will strengthen Malaysia’s leadership of the regional bloc.

Thaksin, now 75, has been a pivotal figure in Thai politics for over two decades, influencing multiple administrations. However, his career has not been without controversy. He is currently barred from holding office after being convicted of abuse of power and conflicts of interest. He spent 15 years in self-imposed exile before returning to Thailand. This too only after his party won the recent elections.

The collaboration between Anwar and Thaksin highlights an intriguing parallel between their families. Both have faced political and personal challenges. Anwar himself was imprisoned during his political career. He endured significant struggles before becoming Malaysia’s Prime Minister. The Shinawatra family has also navigated political turbulence. Thaksin and his sister Yingluck previously faced legal and political setbacks in Thailand.

In an interesting historical connection, Anwar also decided to appoint George Yeo. George Yeo is a respected former politician and diplomat. He was also the minister of foreign affairs in Singapore. The addition of both Thaksin and George Yeo reflects Anwar’s strategic approach to leveraging regional expertise and fostering collaboration.

As Malaysia prepares for its ASEAN leadership, will the bloc witness a dynamic period of progress, or will it face a controversial phase under this unique collaboration?