Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said today that he will hold informal discussions with ASEAN leaders to try to resolve the conflicts in Myanmar, after he had a fruitful conversation with Anwar Ibrahim, the Malaysian prime minister and current ASEAN chair.
Thaksin, who was in Malaysia earlier this month, said that Anwar had sought his advice on the conflicts in Myanmar and US President Donal Trump’s policy on cryptocurrency.
On the first issue, he said that ASEAN’s inability to resolve the conflicts has affected the regional grouping’s status and credibility in the international community and Anwar wants him to help, because he is familiar to a number of ASEAN leaders, adding that he will find time to meet with the leaders in the foreseeable future.
Regarding cryptocurrencies, of which the Trump administration supportive, Thaksin said that ASEAN countries should adopt them, otherwise they may be left behind, adding that Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia will spearhead this endeavour.
On the unrest in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces, the former prime minister said that he discussed potential solutions with Anwar, adding that he is optimistic that the situation will improve.
Thaksin also noted that the ongoing fighting in Myanmar, between government forces and rebel groups, is being partially funded with money gained from the illegal businesses, such as scam call centres, adding that the current crackdown on the illegal activities will help to cut the funding.
Although the cutting of electricity, petrol supplies and internet services will initially affect many people in Myanmar, he said they will resume just as soon as the scam call centres are eliminated.
