On an eventful Sunday, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim met in Malaysia, sharing a cordial handshake that marked the beginning of an insightful discussion. The rendezvous, vividly captured in a photo shared by Anwar Ibrahim’s Facebook page, has sparked intrigue about the topics that graced their conversation—most notably the situation in Myanmar and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies.
Anwar, in a social media post dated February 2nd, hinted at the nature of their productive dialogue, which included the intricate dynamics unfolding in Myanmar and the burgeoning impact of cryptocurrencies. While the specifics of this high-level conversation remained under wraps, the picture painted was one of mutual understanding and collaboration, adorned with the inclusion of former Singaporean Foreign Minister George Yeo, who joined the meeting later.
The gathering is believed to have taken place in the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, a serendipitous venue, given Thaksin’s recent appointment as one of Anwar’s informal advisers on ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) affairs in December. This appointment arrives just in time for Malaysia’s forthcoming role as ASEAN chair, setting the stage for important regional dialogues.
ASEAN’s urgency on the Myanmar issue has been palpable, as seen in the recent Langkawi talks where the bloc impressed upon Myanmar’s military regime the dire need for dialogue and cessation of hostilities, underscoring peace over impending elections. The relentless pursuit of stability and peace is echoed by Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, who emphasized the significance of Myanmar’s situation during a phone conversation with her father. She reiterated Malaysia’s tangible commitment to the issue, noting its priority status across every ASEAN meeting.
Paetongtarn further highlighted that while the dialogue on Myanmar was central, the discussions hold promise for wider regional cooperation on pressing issues like environmental challenges. “The discussion was beneficial to ASEAN as a whole and can pave the way for further cooperation on other issues such as dust and air pollution. However, Myanmar was the focus of this meeting,” she noted.
This visit to Malaysia marked Thaksin’s first international journey since his celebrated return to Thailand in August 2023. His departure was meticulously planned, gaining court approval for a temporary leave from Thailand from February 2nd to 3rd, backed by a 5-million-baht surety to ensure his prompt return. Thaksin meticulously designated himself and his ally, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, as official witnesses, armed with necessary documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to justify this international engagement.
A spectrum of legal oversight accompanied Thaksin’s exit, placing a necessity on him to report his movements to Thai authorities three days prior to his return and inform the Immigration Bureau upon re-entry. This stems from his ongoing legal challenges, which include charges under the lese majeste and Computer Crime Acts, necessitating court permission for international travels.
The saga of Thaksin’s legal battles continues, with the court scheduling seven investigative sessions in July to delve into the evidences at hand. As ASEAN gears up under Malaysia’s leadership, the conversation between these leaders signifies more than diplomatic pleasantries; it embodies a beacon of potential regional resolutions and collaborations that could shape the future of Southeast Asia.
I’m really curious to see if Thaksin’s involvement will actually help address the crisis in Myanmar. It seems like ASEAN urgently needs a change in strategy.
Honestly, I think letting a politician with Thaksin’s past handle such a delicate issue is risky. Could it be more about image than actual change?
You might have a point, but given Malaysia’s chairmanship, perhaps Thaksin’s influence could be redirected positively?
Thaksin might be flawed, but he has the connections. Let’s give him a chance to prove his critics wrong.
Are they seriously considering using cryptocurrencies in this context? Seems like a distraction from the real issues in Myanmar.
Cryptos could be revolutionary for financially independent systems in authoritarian regimes. Let’s think beyond old paradigms.
But aren’t the environmental impacts of mining cryptocurrencies at odds with ASEAN’s environmental goals? Priorities should align!
It’s just great to see these leaders putting their differences aside and meeting to discuss regional issues!
The handshake looks nice for the cameras, but what’s really going to change? Old problems require bold solutions.
True enough, but optimistic approaches can sometimes surprise us with their efficacy. Let’s see how it unfolds.
Let’s hope this leads to some concrete actions. Myanmar can’t wait forever while leaders talk and pose!
Anwar’s engagement with Thaksin seems strategic given Malaysia’s upcoming role as ASEAN chair. The focus on Myanmar and other regional challenges is timely.
While strategic, couldn’t such alliances also alienate other ASEAN members? It’s a tightrope walk politically.
Indeed, but regional consensus sometimes needs stronger leadership to push through shared agendas. Malaysia has the experience.
Hope Paetongtarn can use her position to influence ASEAN’s approach towards Myanmar effectively.
Let’s not invest too much hope in family politics. She might not be the game-changer people expect.
It’s kinda amusing how leaders with such complex legal predicaments still play major roles in international diplomacy!
Any insight on why George Yeo’s involvement was necessary? Feels like a mix of old and new strategies being attempted.
I hope ASEAN really pushes forward on environmental issues. If they can tackle one crisis, it could set a precedent for others.
Indeed, air and dust pollution are critical too. Regional health can’t be overlooked in these diplomatic agendas.
How is the crypto discussion relevant for Myanmar? Maybe digital currencies can help people avoid the restrictions.
It’s speculative at best. Crypto could empower citizens but also be heavily manipulated by those in power.
Let’s hope ASEAN meetings conclude with more than just diplomatic jibber-jabber and produce results soon.
Thaksin’s movements are under a lot of scrutiny, but maybe this oversight will ensure positive actions on his behalf.
With legal battles looming, Thaksin’s global engagements are bold. Legal constraints might become a diplomatic burden soon.
Interesting how regional dynamics are shifting with new leadership roles. Malaysia might surprise us with innovative approaches.
Cryptocurrencies aside, Thaksin’s international move signals a readiness for dialogue. Now, ASEAN must capitalize on it.