Thaksin's Taxes: Democrat Files Nonfeasance Charges Against Finance Minister, Deputy

[bigbamboo]

You could ask Ms Shinawatra why no action will be taken against Mr Shinawatra. She is always willing to answer any question.

Why should she be expected to answer. The case does not concern her. The alleged tax liabilities do not attach to her. She is precluded from answering questions anyway, as it could be construed to be a conflict of interest.

A conflict of interest involving the Prime Minister of Thailand and a convicted criminal on the run?

Edited April 4, 2012 by bigbamboo

[Puccini]

A Democrat Party MP has filed a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission against the finance minister, his deputy and the revenue director-general for failing to collect Bt12 billion worth of taxes from Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife.

Are these the same finance minister, deputy minister and revenue director-general who failed to collect these taxes during the four years of the previous government?

[gemini81]

Will never happen, they cant take money from their master, if its not under the table, that is.

That's not the goal. Keeping him in the news in a negative light is the goal.

He already does that by himself and his own poison tongue.

Glad someone put some fire under sathit in hopes they don't make all decisions based around thaksin reshuffling the cards.

[whybother]

Actually, they are not. The procedure is to first go to the department responsible and seek redress there. This is a politically motivated attempt to create more negativity. The charges will be dismissed as they are groundless. The correct procedure would also be to raise this in the House. The Democrats are very good at trying to impeach ministers, unfortunately their success rate has not been so good with a 100% failure rate. Perhaps the Democrats are afraid to raise this issue in the appropriate forum, the House, as they do seem to be afraid of anything connected to the electorate.

What's the point of raising it in the house. They don't have a majority there, so anything they raise will just get voted down regardless of the legality of it. At least if they take it to the courts, it gets looked at within the confines of the law.

[whybother]

decision on August 8 2011 = also before the PTP government took control...

Just for the record.

Not quite.

[Thaddeus]

Here we go again. The Opposition running to the judges.

To quote Homer, Doh.

[TAWP]

failing to collect Bt12 billion worth of taxes from Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife.

Seeing as the tablet project is projected at 2.4 billion - imagine what all that money could do for education.

Edited April 4, 2012 by TAWP

[TAWP]

Some posters here seem to hate the poor since they will defend any in-action by Thaksin to pay, by any arguments they can find. Even if they pretend to care about the poor in some posts...

[Thaddeus]

Some posters here seem to hate the poor since they will defend any in-action by Thaksin to pay, by any arguments they can find. Even if they pretend to care about the poor in some posts...

Especially when most of them have never been truly poor.

(please don't add the four Yorkshire men sketch to this, I'm practically word perfect in that, and the one about the dead parrot)

[BrianCR]

"Sansern Samalapha, the so-called shadow finance minister of the Democrat Party, said Wednesday that he had filed the complaint against Finance Minister Kittirat Na-Ranong, Deputy Finance Minister Thanusak Lek-uthai and Revenue Department Director-General Sathit Rangkhasiri on Tuesday"

Here we go again. The Opposition running to the judges. In this case the National Anti-Corruption Commission, instead of using normal Parliamentary procedures. Is it any wonder the PTP is seeking to alter the following elements of the coup-based constitution:

Und

er the constitution, procedures to create independent organizations and select their members lack public participation and go against the principle of democracy.

Independent organizations and the judiciary are allowed to operate without a system of checks and balances, which adversely affects the justice system and results in double standards.

Under normal circumstances, an Opposition would seek to 'tar and feather' a ruling Party in Parliamentary Question Period. And if the public agreed, they would conduct themselves accordingly next election. But they know the Public does not share their anti-Thaksin agenda and are in effect put-off by it, so it is perhaps understandable.

How dare the Democrats follow the rule of law, they should employ a mob of thugs to terrorise the center of Bangkok and burn it down, like more popular political parties. Or question the PM in Parliamentary Question Period if she ever attands parliment again.

They did - they were known as yellow shirts!

[BrianCR]

Some posters here seem to hate the poor since they will defend any in-action by Thaksin to pay, by any arguments they can find. Even if they pretend to care about the poor in some posts...

Especially when most of them have never been truly poor.

(please don't add the four Yorkshire men sketch to this, I'm practically word perfect in that, and the one about the dead parrot)

First bit of sense I've read today!

[tlansford]

decision on August 8 2011 = also before the PTP government took control...

Just for the record.

Not quite.

check again ...

http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2011/08/11/thai-cabinet-ministers-officially-sworn

[tlansford]

Some posters here seem to hate the poor since they will defend any in-action by Thaksin to pay, by any arguments they can find. Even if they pretend to care about the poor in some posts...

Ah TAWP - just name names rather than being so vague

I'd like to see who you think feels that, or has said that, Thaksin should not pay his taxes.

I personally think you are just blowing smoke. But maybe I missed a post or two.

??

[waza]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

Not defending the Shinawatras or PTP. I have zero tolerance for those that don't pay their taxes.

This has nothing to do with the PTP. The party itself is not accused of non payment of tax.

Perhaps the former PM or his ex wife owe taxes. it is up to the revenue department and the court(s) to decide. A decision was rendered. Action can be brought to contest the decision. If there is an assumption of political wrongdoing, have the courtesy and respect for the Thai electorate to raise it in the House. The issue in this case arises from political groups circumventing the existing procedures and attempting to create a political issue. The problem the Democrats have is that they hung their hat on a case where they assumed they would get the verdict they wanted. They lost and now they try a circuitous route to pursue a political vendetta.

Do you honestly think the Democrats are bringing this case because of they want to see people pay taxes due? I don't think so. If it was, they would stand up and deal with the sordid corrupt mess that Phuket is. Phuket is a democrat stronghold. It is also a major source of party funds. And yet, the democrats have never ever dealt with the corruption and tax avoidance that distinguishes Phuket. When the Democrats were in power, they never ever once made an effort to deal with the problems of Patong. Patong isn't low hanging fruit, its so bad, the rot and stench cannot be avoided. The very same people crying foul in this case considered Patong to be a garden of fragrant flowers. That is why I voice an opinion. if the Democrats and Abhisit could just one time be open and honest and to practice what they preach, I would be quiet.

Why begin your post with a disclaimer then go on to make the very pionts you disclaim? The Democrats have every right to pursue Thaksin over his overt tax avoidance and those who are assisting him, as he is a major role model to the Thai population, even if he is a convicted criminal and fugitive from justice. PS: To be honest GK, I dont think you could be quiet even if you were under water with a mouth full of marbles.

Edited April 4, 2012 by waza

[OzMick]

I wish that the politicans were as obsessed with improving the air quality in Northern Thailand as they seem to be with expat Thaksin Shiniwatra.

Put that on the list of things to do with B12 billion.

[OzMick]

You could ask Ms Shinawatra why no action will be taken against Mr Shinawatra. She is always willing to answer any question.

Why should she be expected to answer. The case does not concern her. The alleged tax liabilities do not attach to her. She is precluded from answering questions anyway, as it could be construed to be a conflict of interest.

Has it occurred to you that the conflict of interest is the question? Nice try in the previous post to change the subject.

[FOODLOVER]

The Dems are fighting a lost case. All the judges have already received new pastry boxes from Dubai.

Guess you can back-up this statement with some facts.

I can verify they like pastries.

[webfact]

POLITICS

Democrat MPs petition NACC on Shinawatra shares, taxes

THE NATION

Accuse finance minister, his deputy and Revenue Dept chief of dereliction of duty for not taxing Thaksin, ex-wife

BANGKOK: -- Democrat Party MPs have petitioned the national graft agency, accusing the finance minister, his deputy and the Revenue Department chief of dereliction of duty in their decision not to tax former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his ex-wife for their share sale to their children.

Democrat MP Sansern Sama-lapa, who is the party's "shadow deputy finance minister", said yesterday that the petition was submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Deputy Finance Min-ister Tanusak Lekuthai and Reve-nue Department director-general Sathit Rangkasiri on Tuesday.

Sansern said the three failed to perform their duty properly in not levying tax on the sale of shares in the Shin Corp family business by Thaksin and his then-wife Pojaman to their children Panthongtae and Pinthongta. The shares were held in an offshore firm called Ample Rich and later sold to the Singaporean government's Temasek Holdings.

He said that shares sold outside the stock market were not exempt from tax.

The Democrat also noted that after Thaksin's sister Yingluck became prime minister in August last year, the Revenue Department decided not to collect tax from Panthongtae and Pinthongta, citing a court verdict that the shares still belonged to Thaksin and Pojaman.

The agency recently decided not to collect tax from Thaksin and Pojaman on grounds that the share transaction occurred through the stock exchange and therefore was exempt from tax.

"The first part of the share transfer [from Ample Rich] occurred outside the stock market and should be taxed, although a court ruled the shares did not actually belong to Panthongtae and Pinthongta," Sansern said. "The earnings were made and someone must be responsible for paying tax. It seems the Revenue Department interpreted the law in a way that benefits Thaksin and Pojaman."

Sansern also said the Democrats would employ other measures in a bid to have those responsible pay the Bt12-billion tax estimated to have incurred from the share sale. "It is still not hopeless for the country to get its money back," he added.

Sansern said the Democrats would try to find out whether Thaksin and Pojaman had paid income taxes properly, especially in 2007 when the ex-prime minister was abroad.

-- The Nation 2012-04-05

[dksharron]

Is 46 billion in fines not enough for one man? Ridiculous! The vilification continues, to the detriment of the dumb Dems

No, it is not enough. As he has been receiving his money through businesses illegitimately from the get go when he was much younger, if he lost everything, it would be enough, only prior to the fines.

[theanimaster]

Kind of makes me feel good that I make just a little over a measly 10,000 USD a year here in Thailand and yet I can pay my taxes whereas this filthy rich scumbag can't. Perhaps it's a sport to them.

I'm leaving Thailand and going back to the good ol' US of A. I might get shot by a gun-totting freak inquire teaching, or blown up by a terrorist in a shopping mall, but at least it's good to be amongst people who aren't blind lemmings that simply give into the crap their government spews. I pay my taxes with resent here that the money is spent to line the pockets of scumbag politicians that don't give a dam_n about their own country. Not that it's their own in the first place -- they're Chinese. In the States it's no different -- but at least there's not the added stress of bein thrown out of the country or going through ridiculous Immigrations traps to rid you of more money... At least not when you're an American : P

[koosdeboer]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

Not defending the Shinawatras or PTP. I have zero tolerance for those that don't pay their taxes.

This has nothing to do with the PTP. The party itself is not accused of non payment of tax.

Perhaps the former PM or his ex wife owe taxes. it is up to the revenue department and the court(s) to decide. A decision was rendered. Action can be brought to contest the decision. If there is an assumption of political wrongdoing, have the courtesy and respect for the Thai electorate to raise it in the House. The issue in this case arises from political groups circumventing the existing procedures and attempting to create a political issue. The problem the Democrats have is that they hung their hat on a case where they assumed they would get the verdict they wanted. They lost and now they try a circuitous route to pursue a political vendetta.

Do you honestly think the Democrats are bringing this case because of they want to see people pay taxes due? I don't think so. If it was, they would stand up and deal with the sordid corrupt mess that Phuket is. Phuket is a democrat stronghold. It is also a major source of party funds. And yet, the democrats have never ever dealt with the corruption and tax avoidance that distinguishes Phuket. When the Democrats were in power, they never ever once made an effort to deal with the problems of Patong. Patong isn't low hanging fruit, its so bad, the rot and stench cannot be avoided. The very same people crying foul in this case considered Patong to be a garden of fragrant flowers. That is why I voice an opinion. if the Democrats and Abhisit could just one time be open and honest and to practice what they preach, I would be quiet.

Thank you for proving my point. You're only able to criticize the democrat's, I never see you criticizing PTP or the shinawatras.

[anterian]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

This is the point, " I can see these TV writers are educated people", it is not so much that they are Thaksin supporters but rather they object to the illogical arguments of those who attack Thaksin. Some writers are so besotted with attacking Thaksin they would even manage to do so in a thread on Thai cooking.

[koosdeboer]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

This is the point, " I can see these TV writers are educated people", it is not so much that they are Thaksin supporters but rather they object to the illogical arguments of those who attack Thaksin. Some writers are so besotted with attacking Thaksin they would even manage to do so in a thread on Thai cooking.

Educated people can be wrong and I think you are wrong by writing that those who (attack??) Thaksin have illogical arguments. That's not always the case. Maybe you are besotted by defending thaksin. Get a life and let Thaksin's lawyers do their job. They know the way to the court for sure.

[anterian]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

This is the point, " I can see these TV writers are educated people", it is not so much that they are Thaksin supporters but rather they object to the illogical arguments of those who attack Thaksin. Some writers are so besotted with attacking Thaksin they would even manage to do so in a thread on Thai cooking.

Educated people can be wrong and I think you are wrong by writing that those who (attack??) Thaksin have illogical arguments. That's not always the case. Maybe you are besotted by defending thaksin. Get a life and let Thaksin's lawyers do their job. They know the way to the court for sure.

"That's not always the case." Indeed so and I think you will find that where rational attacks are made on Thaksin, Yinmgluck or the PT, I and others will not leap to their defense. For example the "tablets" issue is an insane move on the part of the incumbent government. Likewise rice pledging and the minimum wage has not been carefully thought through.

[sparebox2]

"Sansern alleged that the three failed to have revenue officials collect Bt12 billion in taxes from former prime minister Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman Damapong's sale of shares of Shin Corp to their son and daughter, Pantongtae and Pintongta Shinawatra five years ago."

Sansern should file charge against Korn and Mark for failing to have revenue officials collect Bt12 billion in taxes from former prime minister Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman Damapong's sale of shares of Shin Corp to their son and daughter, Pantongtae and Pintongta Shinawatra WHILE THEY WERE IN OFFICE.

Don't blame the next person after you. BLAME YOURSELF WHILE YOU WERE THERE AND DO NOTHING.

[geriatrickid]

I really don't get it. Why are there so many posters defending the shinawatras and Phua thai. It's like they are sitting behind their computer waiting for the next story. These people have the money and the resources to defend themselves. The only thing I see these people writing is Phua Thai, Thaksin, Ying luck good. Democrats bad. There are good and bad things on both sides. I'm getting bored. I can see these TV writers are educated people, why don't they spend their time helping and defending the people in need? I don't sleep a night less if thaksin has to pay some million in tax, or Suthep if you want to hear that.

Not defending the Shinawatras or PTP. I have zero tolerance for those that don't pay their taxes.

This has nothing to do with the PTP. The party itself is not accused of non payment of tax.

Perhaps the former PM or his ex wife owe taxes. it is up to the revenue department and the court(s) to decide. A decision was rendered. Action can be brought to contest the decision. If there is an assumption of political wrongdoing, have the courtesy and respect for the Thai electorate to raise it in the House. The issue in this case arises from political groups circumventing the existing procedures and attempting to create a political issue. The problem the Democrats have is that they hung their hat on a case where they assumed they would get the verdict they wanted. They lost and now they try a circuitous route to pursue a political vendetta.

Do you honestly think the Democrats are bringing this case because of they want to see people pay taxes due? I don't think so. If it was, they would stand up and deal with the sordid corrupt mess that Phuket is. Phuket is a democrat stronghold. It is also a major source of party funds. And yet, the democrats have never ever dealt with the corruption and tax avoidance that distinguishes Phuket. When the Democrats were in power, they never ever once made an effort to deal with the problems of Patong. Patong isn't low hanging fruit, its so bad, the rot and stench cannot be avoided. The very same people crying foul in this case considered Patong to be a garden of fragrant flowers. That is why I voice an opinion. if the Democrats and Abhisit could just one time be open and honest and to practice what they preach, I would be quiet.

Thank you for proving my point. You're only able to criticize the democrat's, I never see you criticizing PTP or the shinawatras.

LOL, Bullsh*t.

I suggest you read my comments when the finance minisiter was changed, or my comments on the PMO press office or in respect to general health policies. My concerns in respect to public health policy have been consistent for all administrations.

in respect to my comments, what is wrong with my position. If you disagree, please explain why. You will have a rough road in front of you as you address the stinking, filthy, depraved, corrupt democrat stronghold of Phuket, but feel free to give it shot. It should be amusing.

[sparebox2]

Law say, punt the Thai stock market tax free; unless your name is Thaksin.

Which word(s) don't you understand?

[jerrysteve]

Nonfeasance charges are irrevelant in a this country where judges in both the civil and criminal courts can be bought for a song and dance, and some money for their performance.

If Nonfeasance were to be taken serious which may happen in a couple more lifetimes from now, they would have to criminally prosecute Thai Government.

What does Nonfeasance mean...Failue to Act when under the legal oblication to do so without any sufficient excuse under or defined by legal

statues passed by the legislature.

They should let Taksin come back and upon arrival, handcuff him, put chains around his feet, and throw into the monkey house with the rest of the criminals. He can clean toilets; a fitting job.

[geriatrickid]

The Dems are fighting a lost case. All the judges have already received new pastry boxes from Dubai.

Guess you can back-up this statement with some facts.

Frothers are usually incapable of providing a rational coherent argument.

[geriatrickid]

Actually, they are not. The procedure is to first go to the department responsible and seek redress there. This is a politically motivated attempt to create more negativity. The charges will be dismissed as they are groundless. The correct procedure would also be to raise this in the House. The Democrats are very good at trying to impeach ministers, unfortunately their success rate has not been so good with a 100% failure rate. Perhaps the Democrats are afraid to raise this issue in the appropriate forum, the House, as they do seem to be afraid of anything connected to the electorate.

What's the point of raising it in the house. They don't have a majority there, so anything they raise will just get voted down regardless of the legality of it. At least if they take it to the courts, it gets looked at within the confines of the law.

Are you really serious? Is your position really one that believes the lack of a majoriy prevents the Democrats from acting as a responsible opposition party? I suggest you have a look at parliaments in the UK, Canada, Australia to see how its done.

Basically, your statement is a tacit admission of the democrats incompetence.

Perhaps if they had a leader with actual real world work experience they would be better off.

Edited April 5, 2012 by geriatrickid