FORMER Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra‘s engagement with Myanmar is personal and not related to the government of Thailand, according to Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.
Maris, who was officially declared as the country’s new foreign minister last week, made the statement following reports of Thaksin’s recent meetings with various opposition groups in neighboring Myanmar to resolve the armed conflict.
Shinawatra’s diplomatic efforts involved meetings with representatives of the Kachin National Organisation, the National Unity Government, the Shan State Reconstruction Council, and the Shan State Army.
The new foreign minister said that Myanmar’s opposition groups approaching Thaksin’s help due to his connections is something done in a personal capacity and does not represent diplomatic efforts for the government of Thailand.
Additionally, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has not acknowledged Thaksin’s diplomatic moves but said he believes the former PM is doing it out of goodwill.
It can be remembered that former foreign minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara resigned last week after a cabinet reshuffle removed him as deputy prime minister.
Parnpree, who played a key role in securing the release of Thai hostages in Gaza last year as well as overseeing diplomatic efforts in Myanmar, explained it will be difficult to effectively perform his duties as foreign minister after getting removed as the deputy prime minister.
The prime minister said the government is working on providing humanitarian aid for Myanmar and wants peace for its neighboring country under ASEAN rules.
