Thailand allows Thaksin to visit Brunei.

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was allowed to visit Brunei to attend ASEAN meetings from February 18-19.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra

The Bangkok Post reported on February 15 that the Thai Criminal Court approved former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's request to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings from February 18-19, marking his second overseas trip after paying 5 million baht (approximately 3.76 billion VND) as a guarantee.

Mr. Thaksin will visit Brunei next week as an advisor to the ASEAN chairmanship. Malaysia holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN this year, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim previously appointed Mr. Thaksin as his unofficial advisor on ASEAN affairs.

Thaksin is prohibited from leaving the country without permission, under the terms of his bail, while awaiting trial on charges of defamation and charges related to an interview he gave in South Korea in 2015. Witness testimony in this case is expected to be given next July.

Reports indicate that the court approved the request after Mr. Anwar sent an invitation through the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Mr. Thaksin to attend the meeting, similar to what had happened previously.

Previously, the court had allowed Thaksin to travel to Malaysia on February 2-3 to consult with Anwar, with a bail bond of 5 million baht to ensure his return.

Mr. Thaksin submitted his latest request on February 13th, and the court held a hearing the following day. Mr. Thaksin and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa were summoned to the hearing. The judges granted the request and ordered Mr. Thaksin to appear in court within three days of his return to Thailand.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thai-lan-cho-phep-ong-thaksin-den-brunei-185250215202356056.htm