Thaksin travels to Malaysia for talks with PM
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia met with his informal advisory group yesterday, February 2, led by Thailand’s former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, to discuss various regional matters.
The meeting, which took place after Thaksin received court approval to travel internationally, covered significant topics including the ongoing situation in Myanmar and developments in cryptocurrency.
Anwar shared details of the gathering on Facebook in both English and Malay, describing it as a productive session.
The discussions continued over dinner, where they were joined by George Yeo, Singapore’s former Foreign Affairs Minister.
Thaksin’s travel to Malaysia for the February 2 to 3 meeting was permitted by Thailand’s Criminal Court after the 75 year old former PM posted a 5-million-baht bond.
The court’s approval came with support from Thailand’s foreign minister, who assured that the trip would not interfere with Thaksin’s ongoing lese majesty case while emphasising the potential diplomatic benefits for Thai-Malaysian relations.
The court stipulated that Thaksin must report to both court and immigration officers within three days of his return to Thailand. These travel restrictions stem from criminal charges related to a 2015 interview with South Korean media that allegedly violated Thailand’s lese majesty laws.
Since receiving bail last June for 500,000 baht, Thaksin has been required to seek permission for any international travel and surrendered his passport.
The meeting holds particular significance as Malaysia currently chairs ASEAN, with Thaksin having been appointed as an informal adviser to Prime Minister Anwar in December, reported The Nation.
In related news, the Criminal Court has granted Thaksin permission to temporarily leave Thailand, requiring a 5 million baht cash surety to ensure his return. The former prime minister received approval yesterday, January 31 to visit Malaysia.
Thaksin named himself and Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa as witnesses, supported by documentation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to validate his need to travel outside the country.
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