Thai Prime Minister talks about Thaksin's fate after being released from prison

"I believe he has the value to contribute to the Thai government and people," Prime Minister Srettha said in an interview with Bloomberg news agency on September 20, when he arrived in the US to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

"He was and probably still is the most popular prime minister in Thai political history," said Mr. Srettha. Mr. Thaksin is also considered an influential figure in the current prime minister's Pheu Thai party.

"Obviously, there are good reasons for that and if he is released, it would be unwise for me not to consult him and other prime ministers," Mr Srettha added.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin - Photo: EPA-EFE

After more than 30 years in the private sector, Mr. Srettha acknowledged his lack of political experience in an interview with Bloomberg but dismissed any concerns about the sustainability of his ruling coalition.

"I believe this is a very, very stable government . As for Mr Thaksin's role in the new government, that is not clear," he said.

Thailand's new prime minister is seeking to revive an economy that has lagged behind its neighbors. His comments are a sign of how Thaksin may continue to influence the country's politics.

Mr. Thaksin was prime minister of Thailand from 2001 to 2006. His Shinawatra family has had great influence on the country's politics over the past two decades.

Forced into exile in 2008 to escape corruption charges, Mr Thaksin, 74, returned to Thailand in August. Just hours later, Mr Srettha was elected prime minister by parliament.

Mr Thaksin was jailed for eight years but was soon transferred to a police hospital for health reasons.

Mr Thaksin has asked King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand for a pardon and his sentence has been reduced to one year. His family is considering bailing him out early - scheduled for February next year - and he will be placed under house arrest.

Anh Thu

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thoi-su-quoc-te/thu-tuong-thai-lan-noi-ve-so-phan-ong-thaksin-sau-khi-ra-tu-20230921151057479.htm