In a move that has reignited discussions about his enduring influence in regional politics, Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s controversial former prime minister, has been appointed as an informal advisor to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ahead of Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. The announcement, made during a press conference in Putrajaya on 16 December 2024, underscored Thaksin’s political relevance despite years of legal battles and exile. However, his ability to fulfil this role remains constrained by ongoing legal challenges in Thailand, including charges under the kingdom’s stringent lese-majeste law, Article 112 of the Criminal Code.
Anwar, speaking alongside Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—Thaksin’s daughter—highlighted the former leader’s “extensive experience as a statesman” as a key asset for navigating ASEAN’s complex regional challenges. Chief among these is the protracted crisis in Myanmar, where internal conflict and political instability continue to test the bloc’s unity and effectiveness. Yet, as Thaksin’s appointment garners attention, his domestic legal entanglements cast a shadow over his capacity to contribute meaningfully, raising questions about the intersection of personal legal battles and regional diplomacy.
A Strategic Appointment Amid Regional Crises
Thaksin’s return to the political spotlight comes at a critical juncture for ASEAN. Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship in 2025 places it at the forefront of addressing pressing issues, including the Myanmar situation, economic integration, and geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea. Anwar’s decision to tap Thaksin as an informal advisor signals a recognition of the Thai politician’s deep experience in regional affairs, dating back to his tenure as prime minister from 2001 to 2006, when he played a significant role in shaping ASEAN policies.
During his time in office, Thaksin was known for his pragmatic approach to diplomacy, often prioritising economic cooperation and stability in South East Asia. His government’s initiatives, such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area negotiations, helped lay the groundwork for stronger intra-regional ties. Anwar’s choice may also reflect a desire to leverage Thaksin’s personal connections across the region, particularly in addressing the Myanmar crisis, which has defied resolution despite years of ASEAN-led efforts.
However, the appointment is not without controversy. Thaksin’s political career has been marred by allegations of corruption and abuse of power, charges that led to his ousting in a 2006 military coup and subsequent years in self-imposed exile. His return to Thailand in 2023 was met with both fanfare and legal scrutiny, as he faces ongoing cases, including the lese-majeste charge—a highly sensitive accusation in Thailand, where criticism of the monarchy is punishable by up to 15 years in prison per offence.
Legal Hurdles Limit Thaksin’s Mobility
Thaksin’s ability to serve in his advisory role is complicated by restrictions imposed by Thai courts. On 6 March 2025, the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road in Bangkok denied his request to travel abroad, citing insufficient grounds for approval. This ruling contrasts with earlier permissions granted in January and February 2025, when he was allowed to attend meetings in Malaysia and Brunei, respectively, under strict conditions including a 5 million baht bail deposit and mandatory reporting within three days. Requests to visit Vietnam and Cambodia in February were denied, underscoring the inconsistent nature of judicial decisions regarding his movements.
These legal constraints highlight a broader tension between Thaksin’s domestic status and his international ambitions. While Anwar’s invitation positions him as a valuable asset for ASEAN, Thai authorities appear cautious about allowing him unrestricted travel, likely due to concerns over public perception and the political sensitivity of his cases. The lese-majeste charge, in particular, remains a lightning rod for controversy, with critics arguing that his legal battles should preclude him from representing regional interests, even informally.
## Domestic Reactions and Political Implications
Within Thailand, Thaksin’s appointment has sparked polarised reactions. Supporters, including members of the Pheu Thai Party—currently led by his daughter Paetongtarn—view it as a vindication of his political legacy and a chance to restore his reputation on the global stage. They argue that his experience could benefit not only Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship but also Thailand’s own standing within the bloc, given the close ties between the two nations.
Critics, however, see the move as problematic. Opposition figures and royalist factions have questioned the appropriateness of a figure facing serious charges advising a foreign government on regional matters. Some have speculated that the appointment could be perceived as an attempt to circumvent domestic legal accountability, though no evidence confirms such intent. If anything, the court’s recent denial of travel permission suggests that Thai authorities are prioritising local judicial processes over international engagements.
The timing of the appointment also raises questions about its impact on Thailand’s internal politics. With Paetongtarn Shinawatra at the helm, some analysts suggest that Thaksin’s role could bolster her administration’s legitimacy by reinforcing the Shinawatra family’s influence in regional affairs. Others caution that it may fuel perceptions of nepotism and dynastic politics, a criticism that has long dogged the family.
Broader Implications for ASEAN
Beyond Thailand, Thaksin’s advisory role has implications for ASEAN as a whole. The bloc has struggled to maintain cohesion in recent years, particularly on issues like Myanmar, where member states remain divided over how to address the military junta’s actions following the 2021 coup. Thaksin’s involvement, if he is able to participate fully, could bring a fresh perspective to these discussions, given his past advocacy for dialogue and economic incentives as tools for conflict resolution.
Yet, his legal status introduces uncertainty. If Thai courts continue to restrict his travel, his contributions may be limited to virtual or indirect engagement, potentially diminishing the impact of his appointment. Moreover, his polarising reputation could complicate ASEAN’s efforts to present a united front, especially if member states or factions within them view his involvement with scepticism.
There is also the question of precedent. Appointing a figure with ongoing legal challenges to an advisory role, even an informal one, may set a controversial benchmark for future ASEAN engagements. While Anwar has framed the decision as a pragmatic one, based on Thaksin’s expertise, it risks being interpreted as a politicisation of regional cooperation—a concern that ASEAN, as a consensus-driven organisation, has long sought to avoid.
A Delicate Balance
Thaksin Shinawatra’s appointment as an informal advisor to Anwar Ibrahim encapsulates the complexities of South East Asian politics, where personal histories, legal battles, and regional ambitions often intersect. For Malaysia, the decision reflects a strategic effort to harness experienced voices ahead of a pivotal year for ASEAN. For Thailand, it underscores the enduring influence of a figure who, despite years of exile and legal challenges, remains a central player in the region’s political landscape.
As the 2025 chairmanship approaches, the extent of Thaksin’s involvement will likely hinge on the outcome of his legal proceedings and the willingness of Thai authorities to accommodate his regional commitments. For now, his role serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between individual legacies and collective goals in ASEAN—a bloc where history, politics, and diplomacy are rarely straightforward.
Whether Thaksin can navigate these challenges to make a meaningful contribution remains to be seen. If his past resilience is any indication, he may yet find a way to shape ASEAN’s future, even from the sidelines. But with legal constraints looming large, his latest chapter in regional politics is anything but certain.