Thaksin's Wife Guilty Of Tax Evasion

[samran]

If we can exile Taxin to Hawaii, and have Ponjoman degraded to a useless senator who likes to sing Karaoke (a la Ferdinand and Imelda), then I'd count it as a win.

Don't expect jail time for either of them.

Expect Ponjaman to turn this to her advantage, where the masses will genuinely feel sorry for her and her tax avoidance.

[sriracha john]

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra® stands next to his wife Pojaman at the military airport in Bangkok in February 2006. Thai prosecutors said Wednesday they would charge the wife of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra with tax evasion.

AFP

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I hope they wait until I return to Thailand before they throw her into Bang Khen Womens Prison. I'd like to be there for the send-off.

[pansted00]

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra® stands next to his wife Pojaman at the military airport in Bangkok in February 2006. Thai prosecutors said Wednesday they would charge the wife of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra with tax evasion.

AFP

==============================================

I hope they wait until I return to Thailand before they throw her into Bang Khen Womens Prison. I'd like to be there for the send-off.

Dream On...

That will never,ever happen.

[John K]

If they want to change, they have to change.

[pansted00]

If they want to change, they have to change.

None of the Thai elite and power holders want any change.

Quite the contrary actually.

The status quo is their best life insurance.

The problem with Thaksin is that he forgot to share with his former buddies.

Greed can be God for some.God sometimes is a devil in disguise

[Bagwan]

:D

Thaksin : What does Noppadon say?

Pojaman: Whatever you tell him to say.

Thaksin: Can you get any more money to me?

I remember him saying that he was so busy sorting out the country's problems that he didn't have time to have sex with his wife. Could it be that he will screw her good and proper now?

:D

[Bagwan]

Nice accurate reporting from our wonderful newspapers...

Share Transfer definitely took place in 1997 or maybe 2000

Maximum jail time is definitely 7 years or maybe 14 years

Maximum fine is definitely 200,000 baht or maybe 400,000

I refer you to St. Luke chapter 23, verse 34.

[John K]

Nice accurate reporting from our wonderful newspapers...

Share Transfer definitely took place in 1997 or maybe 2000

Maximum jail time is definitely 7 years or maybe 14 years

Maximum fine is definitely 200,000 baht or maybe 400,000

I refer you to St. Luke chapter 23, verse 34.

It must be the sort of kinda maybe depending how much money you sort of kinda want to part with but your not getting away free on this one clause.

[ratcatcher]

Nice accurate reporting from our wonderful newspapers...

Share Transfer definitely took place in 1997 or maybe 2000

Maximum jail time is definitely 7 years or maybe 14 years

Maximum fine is definitely 200,000 baht or maybe 400,000

I refer you to St. Luke chapter 23, verse 34.

St. LUKE 23 verse 34

[Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."] They divided his garments by casting lots.

[Pepe']

This is all very interesting, however, let's face it the bottom line is;

They are far to rich to be within the reach of mere mortals.

They will only taste justice at the end of this life from a higher authority.

PS Oh yeah, Father they knew d__m wel what they were doing.

[marshbags]

PS Oh yeah, Father they knew d__m wel what they were doing.

Amen to that and let us look forward to the eventual Karma that will surely follow

I hope it,s not to long in coming to enable those who await justice see it ASAP and preferably in this life

marshbags

[John K]

PS Oh yeah, Father they knew d__m wel what they were doing.

Amen to that and let us look forward to the eventual Karma that will surely follow

I hope it,s not to long in coming to enable those who await justice see it ASAP and preferably in this life

marshbags

I wonder if the thinking is “You can’t take it with you but if you stash it away it will be here when you come back.”

[John K]

Pojaman granted permission to take out Bt400 million

Ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Pojaman Shinawatra has been granted the permission to bring out Bt400 million for the property purchase in London.

Reuters quoted Bank of Thailand Governor Tarisa Watanagase as saying that Pojaman's request was approved in principle last week. "When she is bringing money out of the Kingdom, she has to submit us the purchase document."

Pojaman submitted her request last month and the central bank has asked for opinions from all related agencies - the Assets Examination Commission and the National Counter Corruption Council - which have handled several cases concerning the Shinawatra family's assets.

Earlier, American cable television businessman William L Monson protested the request, saying that the central bank's approval could jeopardise his civil lawsuit against Thaksin. However, the central bank said the protest carried no weight.

The Nation

[slimdog]

[Earlier, American cable television businessman William L Monson protested the request, saying that the central bank's approval could jeopardise his civil lawsuit against Thaksin. However, the central bank said the protest carried no weight.

The Nation

I suppose he thought that the statute of limitations, which expired in January wouldn't jeopardise his lawsuit ...

[marshbags]

Anyone under investigation should have their assets frozen until charges are are dealt with.

Demoralising to say the least for the authorities given the task of bringing them to account.

" Amazing Thailand " comes to mind once again.

Yes i know it happens elsewhere but as we are debating Thailands corruption and the implications on it,s citizens.

I still believe some positives will come out of it all and the balance of a fairer society towards the less fortunates, will prevail.

marshbags

[Jai Dee]

Criminal Court postpones arbitration hearing of the Damaphong Family’s case

Criminal Court postpones the arbitration hearing of the Damaphong Family’s case to April 23rd due to the plaintiff’s injury.

Vice Admiral Kiattisak Damaphong (เกียรติศักดิ์ ดามาพงศ์) is the plaintiff in this case. He sued Sondhi Limthongkul, the ex-leader of the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD), and the other ten PAD members on ground of libel. According to Vice Admiral Kiattisak, the eleven people alleged members of the Damaphong Family of betraying the country by selling shares of the Shin Corporation Plc. to the Temasek Fund of Singapore.

Vice Admiral Kiattisak is the Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Marine Corps and the relative of Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, the wife of the deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The plaintiff’s attorney has informed the court that his client was injured during a parachuting, preventing him from appearing in the court on the designated date of arbitration hearing.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 March 2007

[Jai Dee]

BOT approves financial request of Khunying Potjaman to buy a home abroad

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has approved in principle Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra’s request to transfer her money of more than 400 million baht to buy a house in the United Kingdom (UK). Khunying Potjaman is the wife of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra.

BOT Governor Tharisa Watthanaket says Khunying Potjaman will have to submit the financial evidence to the central bank once again after she has transferred the money. Dr. Tharisa says the BOT has considered her request very carefully and has consulted with other agencies such as the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) and the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) on this issue.

Dr. Tharisa says the decision is in line with the regulation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 March 2007

[sriracha john]

Quoted from an article with a different initial topic:

Suspicious bank deals linked to ex-minister

Meanwhile, a legal adviser for deposed PM Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday he believed Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman and her brother Bhanapot Damapong would be released on bail after being charged with tax evasion.

Noppadon Pattama said Pojaman and Bhanapot would report to public prosecutors by the deadline on Monday to hear the indictment against them, as recommended by the AEC.

They have been charged with filing false income-tax returns in relation to a stock transaction between them in 2000. The prosecutors ruled that the defendants unlawfully claimed tax exemption.

Following normal legal procedures, the prosecutors will spell out the charges when the pair arrive, then take them to the Criminal Court.

Noppadon said his clients were preparing to file a motion for bail.

Based on the AEC's report, Pojaman and Bhanapot were liable for Bt500 million in unpaid tax. If convicted, they will have to meet their tax liabilities and pay a fine of up to Bt400,000 on top of any time served in jail.

The Attorney General's prosecution team, meanwhile, insisted it would file a complaint against Pojaman and Bhanapot even if they failed to report on Monday, spokesman Attapol Yaisawang said.

If the pair asked for bail, however, the team would not oppose it, he said.

Pojaman and Bhanapot each face a maximum jail term of up to 14 years for tax evasion if they are found guilty.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

The Office of the Attorney-General has written to Potjaman Shinawatra, her stepbrother Bannapot Damapong and secretary Karnchanapa Honghern, telling them to report to the prosecutor in charge of lodging a tax evasion suit against them. They are ordered to report by Monday to hear their indictments before the prosecutor takes the case to court. The prosecutor would proceed with the indictments whether or not the three report, said OAG spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang yesterday. Khunying Potjaman and Mr Bannapot are accused of conspiring to evade taxes in the 1997 transfer of Shin Corp shares, and lying to authorities when questioned about it four years later. Ms Karnchanapa faces one count of conspiring to evade taxes in relation to the share transfers. The ASC sent the case to the OAG.

The Shinawatra family's lawyer, Noppadol Pattama, said Khunying Potjaman, Mr Bannapot and Ms Karnchanapa are expected to report to the prosecutor on Monday and seek bail from the court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Mar2007_news02.php

=========================

The similarities just never seem to stop:

Imelda Marcos arrest ordered

October 16, 2001

MANILA, The Philippines -- A court in the Philippines has ordered the arrest of Imelda Marcos, the flamboyant widow of former president Ferdinand Marcos, on charges of corruption. The arrest warrant issued Tuesday by the main Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Manila covered four charges of amassing illegal wealth during her husband's rule. Her lawyers have told officials that she will travel to the court voluntarily later Tuesday and post bail of some $2,400 to avoid being jailed. She will however have to be photographed and fingerprinted first.

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Let's hope Pojaman has to at least face the same indignity of flashing bulbs and smeared ink on her hands.

[jumnien]

The words of anti-Thaksin free speech activist Supinya say it best - "The junta is far more dangerous than Thaksin ever was."

Let's hope any action against any of the junta's political adversaries is delayed until the junta is boxed up and shipped off. Anything less than that is a farce.

[sriracha john]

Pojaman is not a political office holder...

The junta is not a political party...

So as far as political adversaries are concerned...

[jumnien]

Pojaman is not a political office holder...

The junta is not a political party...

So as far as political adversaries are concerned...

Pojaman is known by the more politically astute to be rather linked with Thaksin.

The junta is not a political party. Exactly, that's the problem. It's simply brute force. We wouldn't want Donald Rumsfeld dissolving the Democratic Party in the US either. Military men have a job, it's not political leadership under a democracy.

I accept your conclusion that Pojaman is in no way a political adversary of the junta. But, I do not agree with it.

[sriracha john]

Actually... this man, not Rumsfeld:

would be "Sonti"... and even though he's a jarhead... I wouldn't mind if he threw Bush out of office for a year.

Edited March 23, 2007 by sriracha john

[jumnien]

I figured as much.

[blaze]

Actually... this man, not Rumsfeld:

would be "Sonti"... and even though he's a jarhead... I wouldn't mind if he threw Bush out of office for a year.

A rather telling statement SRJ. Though not totally unexpected. The appeal of fantasies of secret goon squads whisking away ideological opponents- hmmm.

Edited March 23, 2007 by blaze

[John K]

The Office of the Attorney-General has written to Potjaman Shinawatra, her stepbrother Bannapot Damapong and secretary Karnchanapa Honghern, telling them to report to the prosecutor in charge of lodging a tax evasion suit against them. They are ordered to report by Monday to hear their indictments before the prosecutor takes the case to court. The prosecutor would proceed with the indictments whether or not the three report, said OAG spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang yesterday. Khunying Potjaman and Mr Bannapot are accused of conspiring to evade taxes in the 1997 transfer of Shin Corp shares, and lying to authorities when questioned about it four years later. Ms Karnchanapa faces one count of conspiring to evade taxes in relation to the share transfers. The ASC sent the case to the OAG.

The Shinawatra family's lawyer, Noppadol Pattama, said Khunying Potjaman, Mr Bannapot and Ms Karnchanapa are expected to report to the prosecutor on Monday and seek bail from the court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Mar2007_news02.php

=========================

The similarities just never seem to stop:

Imelda Marcos arrest ordered

October 16, 2001

MANILA, The Philippines -- A court in the Philippines has ordered the arrest of Imelda Marcos, the flamboyant widow of former president Ferdinand Marcos, on charges of corruption. The arrest warrant issued Tuesday by the main Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Manila covered four charges of amassing illegal wealth during her husband's rule. Her lawyers have told officials that she will travel to the court voluntarily later Tuesday and post bail of some $2,400 to avoid being jailed. She will however have to be photographed and fingerprinted first.

---------------------------------------

Let's hope Pojaman has to at least face the same indignity of flashing bulbs and smeared ink on her hands.

I am waiting for her to reschedule because she has another appointment. Perhaps to bring some money to her husband.

[Tony Clifton]

The Office of the Attorney-General has written to Potjaman Shinawatra, her stepbrother Bannapot Damapong and secretary Karnchanapa Honghern, telling them to report to the prosecutor in charge of lodging a tax evasion suit against them. They are ordered to report by Monday to hear their indictments before the prosecutor takes the case to court. The prosecutor would proceed with the indictments whether or not the three report, said OAG spokesman Atthapol Yaisawang yesterday. Khunying Potjaman and Mr Bannapot are accused of conspiring to evade taxes in the 1997 transfer of Shin Corp shares, and lying to authorities when questioned about it four years later. Ms Karnchanapa faces one count of conspiring to evade taxes in relation to the share transfers. The ASC sent the case to the OAG.

The Shinawatra family's lawyer, Noppadol Pattama, said Khunying Potjaman, Mr Bannapot and Ms Karnchanapa are expected to report to the prosecutor on Monday and seek bail from the court.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Mar2007_news02.php

=========================

The similarities just never seem to stop:

Let's hope Pojaman has to at least face the same indignity of flashing bulbs and smeared ink on her hands.

I am waiting for her to reschedule because she has another appointment. Perhaps to bring some money to her husband.

Looks like there is no rescheduling allowed anymore.

[sriracha john]

Former PM's wife to hear tax evasion charge in person

BANGKOK - The Office of Attorney General (OAG) has sought cooperation from police to dispatch a police security force when Pojaman Shinawatra, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, acknowledges tax evasion charges Monday morning, according to an OAG spokesman.

"We must ensure there will not be any serious incident," OAG spokesman Atthapol Yaisawong said. "There are reports that both supporters and opponents of Thaksin and Pojaman will be at the office."

Mrs. Pojaman, her personal secretary Kanchanapha Honghern, and Mrs. Pojaman's stepbrother Bannaphot Damaphong, will report in person, according to her aides.

Following the recommendation of the Assets Examination Commission (AEC), the trio will be charged with tax evasion in relation to high profile Shinawatra Computer and Communications Company Ltd., the former prime minister's flagship business organisation.

A team of five public prosecutors has been assigned to carry on the case, according to Mr. Atthapol.

When asked about the possibility of releasing Pojaman and her two associates on bail, Mr. Atthapol, a public prosecutor himself, said that the permission would depend upon the court's discretion. But should the trio fail to identify themselves as promised earlier, the AEC would have to reach them in person and send them over to the OAG.

If they show any indication of not appearing to hear the charges, arrest warrants will be sought accordingly.

- TNA

Edited March 25, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

For the new people to clarify the above post.

The pro Thaksin people will be hired to be there with roses perhaps and weeping.

The anti Thaksin people will simply be there from motivation.

[John K]

Wife of ousted prime minister and her brother charged of tax evasion

Public prosecutor on Monday filed lawsuits against Khunying Pojaman Shinawatrra, wife of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, her brother, Bhanapot Damapong, and her personal secretary, Kanjanapa Honghern, for major tax evasion.

The three reported themselves to the Criminal Court on Monday morning and posed bail of Bt6 million for each.

They appeared at the Criminal Court at about 9.30am to hear the charge. At the press time, their lawyer are submitting Bt6-million bank accounts for bail for each person.

Court has set May 24 to check proposing evidence of both parties.

If convicted, they would face jail terms of up to 14 years each for tax evasion.

This is apparently the first time that a wife of a Thai prime minister was charged with criminal-linked charge and tax irregularities.

Public prosecutors believed that Pojaman, Bhanapot and Kanjanapa were involving in filing income tax returns in relation to a shock transaction in 2000. They were alleged to unlawfully claim tax exemption.

Prosecutors earlier said they would treat the case as a criminal conspiracy, and the matter could not be settled out of court even if the defendants later decided to meet their tax obligations.

Based on the Assets Examination Commission's report, the defendants were liable for Bt500 million in unpaid tax, he said.

If convicted, they would have to meet their tax liabilities and pay a fine of up to Bt400,000 on top of any time served in jail, he said.

The Nation