Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has hinted that convicted former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could be assigned an advisory role in his government, once he completes his time in prison.

“I believe he has value to add to the government and to the people of Thailand,” Srettha said during an interview with Bloomberg Television in New York.

He also pointed to Thaksin’s popularity. “He was, and probably still is the most popular prime minister in the history of Thai politics,” Srettha claimed.

“Obviously, that comes with good reasons and, when he becomes free, it would be unwise of me not to seek his opinion and that of other (former) prime ministers as well,” he added.

The prime minister did not, however, specify what role Thaksin would actually play in the new government. “Let’s play it by ear,” Srettha said.

Thaksin is a founder of Thai Rak Thai, Palang Prachachon and then Pheu Thai parties. Srettha was a Pheu Thai prime ministerial candidate when he was selected as prime minister. Thaksin’s youngest daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra was also one of the party’s three prime ministerial candidates and is tipped to become its leader.