July 10, 2026
JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto hosted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra at his private residence at Jl. Kertanegara in South Jakarta on Wednesday, where they discussed regional flashpoints and global developments.
Thaksin arrived at Prabowo’s house on Wednesday evening, according to a statement issued by the Presidential Secretariat. He was accompanied by his family, including his daughter and former Thai prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
“The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, and served as an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding friendship between the two people,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya in the statement.
During the informal meeting, Prabowo and Thaksin exchanged views on various strategic global developments and regional dynamics, among other topics, Teddy went on to say.
“Through meetings such as these, the government continues to strengthen its ties and communication with world leaders and prominent figures as part of its efforts to expand international cooperation and bolster Indonesia’s standing,” said Teddy.
Serving as Thailand’s leader from 2001, Thaksin was ousted in a military coup in 2006. But he remains one of Thailand’s most influential political figures and is retaining considerable sway despite years in self-imposed exile and the absence of any formal government role.
His daughter, Paetongtarn, briefly led Thailand’s government from 2024 to 2025 before being sacked by the Constitutional Court over an ethics breach related to her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
Prabowo has maintained close ties with the Shinawatra family amid changes in Thailand’s political landscape. He appointed Thaksin as a member of state asset fund Danantara’s advisory board last March.
Indonesian officials argued the inclusion of prominent international advisors such as Thaksin would help restore market confidence following a bout of turbulence in Indonesian stocks.
Less than six months after joining Danantara’s advisory board, Thaksin was ordered to serve a one-year prison sentence by the Thai Supreme Court. The sentence passed due to conflicts of interest and abuse of power committed while he served as Thai prime minister.
Thaksin was released from prison on parole in May after serving eight months behind bars. He was later freed after receiving a royal pardon from Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn in June.