Malaysia PM appoints former Thai PM Thaksin as his advisor on ASEAN
(VOVWORLD) -Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday appointed Thailand's former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his adviser when Malaysia becomes chair of Southeast Asia's regional bloc next year.
 Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok, Thailand, August 22, 2023. Photo: Getty Images/VNA
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Anwar said Thaksin's role during his leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will be in an informal capacity, alongside advisors from several of the bloc's 10 member states.
Anwar made the announcement during a visit to Malaysia by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. "Thank you for agreeing to this because we need the benefit of the experience of such a statesman," Anwar said of Thaksin during a joint press conference with Paetongtarn.
As planned, Malaysia will officially assume the role of ASEAN Chair on January 1, 2025, with the theme of inclusion and sustainability, reflecting Malaysia's desire to promote a unified and prosperous ASEAN.