Thaksin, Yingluck, Phaetongtan Meet Indonesia's President
Three former Thai prime ministers from the Shinawatra family met with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, with Thaksin also recently appointed as an advisor to Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund, sparking debate over his polit
Three former Thai prime ministers from the Shinawatra family made an appearance in Indonesia, where the country's president opened his private residence to welcome them in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The photo has attracted considerable attention and sparked commentary from multiple angles, both critical and supportive.
Thaksin's detractors argue that he continues political activity without backing down, seemingly heading back to old patterns. Supporters, meanwhile, believe Thaksin should leverage his relationship with Indonesian leadership for Thailand's advantage.
According to Indonesia's Antara news agency, President Prabowo Subianto hosted Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, and Phaetongtan Shinawatra at his private residence in Jakarta on July 8. All three former Thai prime ministers attended—a remarkable development.
The Indonesian President's Office stated the meeting was cordial and represented an opportunity to renew long-standing friendship between the two nations. They exchanged views on global conditions and strategic issues to expand international cooperation.
The scope of this meeting involving three former prime ministers suggests meaningful benefits for the nation. It remains to be seen what specific cooperation between Thaksin and Indonesian leadership may emerge.
The news also revealed that the Indonesian president recently appointed Thaksin as an advisor to Danantara, Indonesia's national sovereign wealth fund—the largest in Southeast Asia and closely watched. This demonstrates significant confidence in the former Thai prime minister's economic expertise.
Whether this relationship remains purely private business or represents broader economic cooperation between the two nations remains to be seen.
Since receiving a full pardon, Thaksin appeared during the Bangkok governor election in late June before traveling abroad, reportedly thanking friends in various countries. Now, seeing Thaksin, Yingluck, and Phaetongtan together meet with one of Asia's most influential leaders has become major news.
It is credible that Thaksin has learned harsh lessons and understands he should not trigger political turbulence in Thailand or become a target for lingering enemies. Additionally, with the Pheu Thai Party in the current coalition government maintaining good relations with government leadership, he may be choosing to operate at the international level instead.
