BANGKOK: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday (Dec 16) appointed Thailand's billionaire political heavyweight and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser for when he becomes chair of South-East Asia's regional bloc next year.

Thaksin Shinawatra, 75, is the first member of a “informal advisory group” that Malaysia intends to establish during its chairmanship of the Southeast Asian bloc.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced today that former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will serve as his personal advisor when Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year.

Anwar said Thaksin’s advice would be very useful, given his experience as a statesman. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - in his capacity as the chairperson of Asean next year - has appointed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as his "informal" personal adviser. In a joint press conference with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra - Thaksin's daughter - Anwar said Thaksin ( above) will be working...

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday appointed Thailand’s billionaire political heavyweight and former premier Thaksin Shinawatra as his personal adviser for when he becomes chair of South

"Thaksin has his own issues, but I won't comment further. It's Anwar's prerogative to choose whoever he wants."

They say other prominent figures will be roped in as personal advisers to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he leads the regional grouping next year.

The appointment, proposed by Malaysia and agreed upon by Thailand, highlights the perceived need for experienced figures to support Malaysia’s role.

The Thai billionaire, who has insisted that he’s retired from politics, is set to advise Malaysia’s prime minister in an informal capacity.