In a significant step towards reinforcing regional cooperation, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, 2 February 2025, to discuss pressing issues, with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar taking centre stage. The meeting, described as “productive” by Anwar, signals a renewed commitment within ASEAN to address the protracted conflict in Myanmar, a nation that has been mired in violence and political instability since the military coup in February 2021.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, underscored the importance of the talks, noting that ASEAN remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace in Myanmar. “ASEAN is committed to creating peace in Myanmar, and Myanmar yearns for peace as well,” she said, as reported by The Nation. Paetongtarn further highlighted the broader implications of the dialogue, suggesting that progress on Myanmar could pave the way for regional advancements in other areas, such as technology to combat air pollution and flooding.
This high-level engagement between Thailand and Malaysia, two key ASEAN members, comes at a critical juncture for the regional bloc, with Malaysia assuming the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. The discussions reflect a shared determination to tackle one of South East Asia’s most intractable challenges, while also navigating domestic political complexities in Thailand surrounding Thaksin’s legal constraints. 
A Shared Vision for Myanmar’s Stability
The situation in Myanmar has been a persistent thorn in ASEAN’s side, with the bloc struggling to implement its Five-Point Consensus—a roadmap for peace agreed upon in April 2021. The plan calls for an immediate cessation of violence, dialogue among all parties, humanitarian assistance, and the appointment of a special envoy. However, progress has been stymied by the Myanmar military junta’s refusal to engage meaningfully with opposition groups or adhere to the consensus.
Paetongtarn’s remarks suggest a renewed optimism within ASEAN, particularly as Malaysia takes the helm. Malaysia has historically played a mediating role in regional conflicts, and Anwar Ibrahim’s administration appears poised to prioritise Myanmar’s crisis during its chairmanship. Thaksin, despite no longer holding an official position, remains an influential figure in Thai politics, and his involvement in these discussions may signal Thailand’s willingness to take a more active role in regional diplomacy.
Analysts note that the meeting could serve as a precursor to broader ASEAN initiatives. “If Thailand and Malaysia can align their approaches, it may create momentum for other ASEAN nations to recommit to the Five-Point Consensus,” said Dr. Aree Jampaklay, a South East Asia expert at Mahidol University. However, she cautioned that any progress would hinge on the junta’s willingness to cooperate—an uncertainty that continues to loom large.
Beyond Myanmar, the talks also touched on other mutual concerns, including the burgeoning role of cryptocurrencies in the region. While details of these discussions remain sparse, the inclusion of such topics hints at a forward-looking agenda that seeks to address both immediate crises and longer-term economic trends.
Thaksin’s Return to Regional Diplomacy
Thaksin Shinawatra’s participation in the meeting marks a notable return to the regional stage, albeit under unique circumstances. The former Thai leader, who served as prime minister from 2001 to 2006 before being ousted in a military coup, has faced numerous legal challenges in Thailand, including a current case involving allegations of lese majesté—a charge that carries significant political and legal weight in the kingdom.
His travel to Malaysia was only made possible after the Thai Criminal Court granted permission on 31 January 2025, requiring a 5-million-baht bond and strict reporting conditions upon his return. The court’s decision was supported by Thailand’s foreign minister, who argued that Thaksin’s trip would not interfere with the ongoing investigation and would instead bolster bilateral ties between Thailand and Malaysia.
This arrangement underscores the delicate balance between domestic legal constraints and international diplomacy. Thaksin’s presence in such discussions, while not officially sanctioned as a government representative, highlights his enduring influence in Thai politics and his personal connections with regional leaders. Critics, however, question whether his involvement risks politicising ASEAN’s efforts on Myanmar, given his polarising status at home.
Paetongtarn defended the meeting’s outcomes, stating that it would “benefit ASEAN as a whole” and strengthen regional cooperation. Her comments reflect a broader narrative of unity, positioning Thailand as a key player in ASEAN’s collective response to Myanmar’s crisis.
Challenges and Opportunities for ASEAN
The Myanmar conflict, now in its fourth year since the coup, has displaced over 2.6 million people, according to the United Nations, and has sparked widespread international condemnation of the junta’s brutal crackdowns on dissent. ASEAN’s inability to broker a resolution has drawn criticism, with some member states accused of prioritising non-interference over decisive action.
Malaysia’s chairmanship in 2025 offers a potential turning point. Anwar Ibrahim, known for his reformist stance and diplomatic acumen, may seek to reinvigorate the bloc’s approach, potentially by appointing a new special envoy or pushing for stricter measures against the junta. Thailand’s support, as evidenced by Thaksin’s engagement, could lend additional weight to these efforts, though domestic political considerations in Bangkok may limit the extent of its commitment.
Speculative analysis suggests that if Malaysia and Thailand can rally other ASEAN members around a unified strategy, it may pressure the junta to engage in dialogue. However, such outcomes remain uncertain, as the military has consistently rejected external mediation. As Dr. Jampaklay noted, “ASEAN’s leverage is limited without consensus among its members and without international backing from powers like China and the United States.”
Moreover, the broader regional implications of peace in Myanmar cannot be overstated. Stability in the country could unlock economic opportunities, reduce cross-border issues such as refugee flows and drug trafficking, and enhance ASEAN’s credibility on the global stage. Paetongtarn’s mention of technology to address air pollution and flooding points to a holistic vision for the region—one where security and environmental challenges are tackled in tandem.
In Thailand, public opinion on Thaksin’s involvement in international affairs remains divided. Supporters view his engagement as a pragmatic use of his experience and networks, while detractors argue that it risks undermining the current government’s authority. Social media platforms, particularly X, reflect this polarisation, with some users praising the Shinawatra family’s commitment to regional stability and others questioning the optics of a legally encumbered figure representing Thai interests abroad.
Regionally, the meeting has been met with cautious optimism. Malaysian media outlets described the talks as a positive step, with Anwar himself characterising them as “productive.” However, there is little indication yet of concrete outcomes or timelines for action on Myanmar, leaving observers to speculate on the next steps.
Looking Ahead: A Test for ASEAN Unity
The meeting between Thaksin Shinawatra and Anwar Ibrahim represents a small but symbolic advancement in ASEAN’s ongoing struggle to address the Myanmar crisis. While the commitment to peace is clear, the path forward remains fraught with challenges, from internal divisions within the bloc to the junta’s intransigence.
For Thailand and Malaysia, the dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of bilateral cooperation within a multilateral framework. As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, the coming months will test whether this renewed focus can translate into tangible progress. If successful, it could mark a turning point not only for Myanmar but for ASEAN’s role as a unifying force in South East Asia.
In the meantime, the region watches closely, hopeful that the yearning for peace in Myanmar—articulated so poignantly by Paetongtarn—can finally be realised. For now, the commitment is there; the challenge lies in turning words into action.
