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.

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

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

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

The appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor to assist with Malaysia's Asean chairmanship next year is viewed as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between the region and global powers.

The appointment of former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor to assist with Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship next year is

The appointment of former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as an informal advisor when Malaysia becomes Asean’s chair next year is viewed as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between the region and global powers.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari says Thaksin Shinawatra’s appointment makes no political sense and defies logic.