KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal advisor during Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, December 16.
Anwar stated that Thaksin, a 75-year-old billionaire and influential political figure in Thailand, will serve as an informal advisor to leverage his experience and expertise. This announcement coincided with the visit of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—Thaksin’s youngest daughter—to Malaysia. Paetongtarn is the fourth member of the Shinawatra family to hold Thailand’s top leadership position.
“I appreciate Thaksin for accepting this role, as we aim to benefit from his extensive experience,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with Paetongtarn.
Thaksin, who holds significant influence within the Pheu Thai Party, has maintained notable connections within ASEAN. Earlier this year, he met with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, key figures in the region. Additionally, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed in May that Thaksin engaged in private discussions with Myanmar’s opposition to ease tensions between Thailand and Myanmar.
