KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership will be crucial as Thailand moves into the next stage of its democratic journey.
In congratulating Anutin on his appointment, he said Thailand has an essential role in upholding regional stability within Asean.
“Heartiest congratulations to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on being chosen to lead Thailand at this important juncture.
“Malaysia looks forward to continuing our close cooperation in developing our shared border, advancing trade, and promoting the welfare of our peoples,” Anwar said in a Facebook post today.
The 58-year-old Bhumjaithai Party leader officially assumed the position of the 32nd Prime Minister of Thailand yesterday after receiving royal endorsement, marking a new chapter in the country's political leadership.
His appointment comes a week after the country's Constitutional Court dismissed Paetongtarn Shinawatra after a year as premier for violating ethics in a leaked June telephone call, during which she appeared to kowtow to Cambodia's former leader Hun Sen when both countries were on the brink of an armed border conflict.
Fighting erupted weeks later and lasted five days.
The ruling brings a premature end to the premiership of the daughter and protégé of influential tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn, 39, was a political neophyte when she was thrust abruptly into the spotlight after the surprise dismissal of predecessor Srettha Thavisin by the same court a year ago.
She has apologised over the leaked call and said she was trying to avert a war.
