The House Committee on State Security and Border Affairs plans to look into claims that Thaksin Shinawatra, a former prime minister with a criminal conviction, had discussions with anti-military junta groups in Myanmar.
When the committee goes on an official visit to Mae Sot district of Tak province this Sunday, Rangsiman Rome, committee chairman, stated that this matter will be included on the agenda.
To address this issue, the committee will ask relevant officials to brief its members. Rangsiman also mentioned that Thaksin’s meeting with representatives of these factions could lead to confusion about Thailand’s role in restoring peace in Myanmar.
Rangsiman, a prominent MP of the Move Forward party, questioned the capacity in which Thaksin hosted the meetings.
Rangsiman stated that Thaksin does not hold any position in the current government and was not assigned by the government to facilitate peace in Myanmar. He emphasized that talks with warring groups in Myanmar should only be carried out by legitimate and authorized representatives.
He expressed confusion about how Thaksin came to be regarded as a representative of Thailand in the discussion.
Rangsiman voiced concern that if Thaksin made any commitments in the talks, it could obligate the Thai government to adhere to them.
This, in turn, may exert pressure on the Thai government and impact mutual relations. Thailand, as an ASEAN member, has consistently declared its non-involvement policy in the internal affairs of other members.
The committee believes that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin should represent Thailand on this matter, as he has the support of the parliament. Thaksin, on the other hand, is not part of the government.
According to Rangsiman, so far neither the prime minister nor Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa has publicly criticized Thaksin’s actions, which undermines the leadership of both.
He also raised a question about who holds the authority as the premier or the foreign minister.
