President Prabowo Hosts Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for Talks in Jakarta
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto hosted former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his family, including former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, at his private residence on Kertanegara Street in Jakarta on Wednesday evening.
The Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat released photographs of the gathering on its official social media platforms, describing the meeting as taking place in a “warm and cordial” atmosphere.
According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the meeting provided an opportunity for President Prabowo and Thaksin Shinawatra to further strengthen their longstanding friendship while exchanging views on strategic global developments and evolving regional dynamics in an informal setting.
Thaksin Shinawatra maintains close ties with Indonesia and currently serves as a member of the advisory board of Indonesia’s Danantara Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara).
The Cabinet Secretariat said such engagements reflect Indonesia’s continued efforts to strengthen communication and friendship with international leaders and prominent global figures, supporting broader cooperation and reinforcing the country’s role amid changing global developments.
President Prabowo had previously met Paetongtarn Shinawatra during his official state visit to Bangkok on May 19, 2025, when she was serving as Thailand’s prime minister.
Paetongtarn was removed from office by Thailand’s Constitutional Court on August 29, 2025, following the public disclosure of a telephone conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen concerning a border dispute. She subsequently stepped down as leader of the Pheu Thai Party.
The political developments resulted in a change of government in September 2025, when Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, secured parliamentary approval to become Thailand’s prime minister. His party later won the February 2026 general election, securing his re-election as prime minister.
Meanwhile, Thaksin Shinawatra was granted a full royal pardon early last month, ending his sentence and lifting his probation ahead of its scheduled expiration in September 2026.
The latest meeting in Jakarta underscored the enduring personal ties between Indonesian and Thai political leaders while highlighting Indonesia’s continued engagement with influential regional figures as part of its broader diplomatic outreach.
