Prabowo Hosts Shinawatras in Jakarta

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto hosted former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and members of his family at his private residence in South Jakarta, where they discussed regional and global developments. The meeting brought together three members of the Shinawatra family who have each served as Thailand’s prime minister.

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Thaksin was accompanied by his daughter, former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and his sister, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra. According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the discussions took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere and reflected the longstanding friendship between the two sides.

During the informal meeting, Prabowo and Thaksin exchanged views on strategic global developments and regional dynamics. Teddy said such discussions help strengthen Indonesia’s ties with prominent figures while expanding cooperation and enhancing the country’s standing on the global stage.

The meeting follows growing ties between Prabowo and the Shinawatra family in recent years. In March, Prabowo appointed Thaksin to the advisory board of Indonesia’s state investment fund, Danantara. Indonesian officials said at the time that the inclusion of prominent international advisers was intended to boost investor confidence.

Thaksin served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2001 until he was removed in a military coup in 2006. Although he no longer holds a formal government position, he remains one of Thailand’s most influential political figures.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra served as Thailand’s prime minister from 2024 to 2025 before being removed from office by the Constitutional Court. Yingluck Shinawatra served as prime minister from 2011 until she was removed by a court ruling in 2014, shortly before another military coup.

The gathering highlights Prabowo’s continued engagement with influential political figures from across the region. While no specific agreements or joint initiatives were announced, Indonesian officials presented the meeting as part of broader efforts to strengthen international relationships and promote cooperation.

The discussions also underline the enduring political influence of the Shinawatra family despite changes in Thailand’s leadership. The informal nature of the meeting suggests it was intended to maintain dialogue on regional and international issues rather than produce formal policy outcomes.

Khaosod reported that future interactions between Indonesia and prominent Thai political figures are likely to remain closely watched, particularly as Jakarta continues to build international partnerships through both official and informal diplomatic engagement.

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

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11 July 2026