Crackdown: More Luxury Cars Snared In Tax Scam Raids In And Near Bangkok

[webfact]

DSI CRACKDOWN
More luxury cars snared in tax scam raids in and near Bangkok
The Nation



Claims of major racket; 20 cars impounded

BANGKOK: -- The Department of Special Investigation yesterday impounded 20 luxury cars on suspicion their owners had not paid proper import taxes.

The high-end cars were seized pending tax clarification by the owners after DSI officials inspected seven premises suspected of being involved in the allegedly massive tax evasion scam.

The DSI has stepped up checking alleged tax evasion by luxury car owners after four high-end cars were damaged in a fire on May 29 and two other cars on the same trailer were left unclaimed.

Following the inspections yesterday, 12 luxury cars were impounded in Nakhon Pathom, four in Pathum Thani and four others in Prachin Buri.

Seven inspection teams were dispatched by Pol Lt General Kornwat Parnprapakorn, commander of the special operation division of the DSI.

The seven premises were a vehicle assembly plant in Bangkok's Wang Hin area, a used-vehicle retailer showroom tent in Bangkok's Bang Bon area, GDO Fibreglass Products in Nakhon Pathom, a house in Pathum Thani's Lamlukka district, a house in Nonthaburi, a vehicle assembling plant in Prachin Buri's Ban Srang district, and a house in the jurisdiction area of Chakkrawad police station in Bangkok.

The DSI has said it will target vehicles that have been declared as locally reassembled and are worth more than Bt4 million in the market. The DSI chief said 145 such vehicles would be checked. Suspicion has risen that some of these vehicles have been wrongly declared as locally reassembled in a move to avoid full taxation.

Kornwat said the DSI would investigate some 5,000 luxury cars that had been registered as locally assembled and the probe could take over a year. Kornwat said the Land Transport Department had registered about 10,000 luxury cars whose owners claimed they were locally assembled.

Kornwat said DSI officials had been ordered to impound all suspicious luxury cars for investigation. He said the DSI has learned that 15 firms had been allegedly importing luxury cars for sale.

As part of the inspection yesterday, Pol Lt Col Wichit Chartkitcharoen led a team of DSI officers to check Auto Art Services on Soi Lat Phrao-Wanghin 85. The check was carried out after the DSI allegedly learned from the Land Transport Department that the place claimed to be an assembly plant for luxury cars.

The DSI investigators allegedly found that Auto Art Services was registered as being owned by Pornthep Sukhahut and Pornthep lent the garage to Phanwasin Wilaikaew since August 2011.

The Land Transport Department informed the DSI that Phanwasin had registered 76 luxury cars from 2011 to 2012, claiming they were assembled at the Auto Art Services garage.

The DSI official found that the garage was being used now as a garage to fix car trunks and engines damaged in accidents.

Wichit alleged the checking found the garage did not have any equipment for assembling luxury cars at all.

In another inspection, Pol Lt Col Seksathit Suwankood led a team of DSI officers to check Ekkachai 902 used vehicles tent in Bang Bon. The team found 35 luxury cars.

The tent is owned by Naron Lekmee, 51, who fully cooperated with the officers. He provided documents to show the vehicles had been legally imported and import taxes had been paid.


-- The Nation 2013-06-10

[NongKhaiKid]

There's an interesting OP ED in the " other newspaper " on this subject which is highly critical of the DSI and covers many of the points raised in posts here on TV.

The writer points out the DSI seems to have known about the luxury car situation but was sitting on it as with many other cases and the only urgency they show is in dealing with allegations against the Democrats.

It describes the DSI is a tool of the government and lacks the strength of leadership to keep it independent.

I know its all been said before on TV but it's good, even vital, that this is being aired in public elsewhere but I wonder if the Thai media have, or will, take this up too ?. Can anyone with better knowledge of this care to add what they know ?

[noitom]

The cars are being seized, impounded and probably shopped around the good old boy network. Yet no Thais are being hauled off and arrested on income tax evasion and/or grand theft auto charges. And the newspaper doesn't care to follow up on this and smoke them out publicly.

[NongKhaiKid]

The cars are being seized, impounded and probably shopped around the good old boy network. Yet no Thais are being hauled off and arrested on income tax evasion and/or grand theft auto charges. And the newspaper doesn't care to follow up on this and smoke them out publicly.

I don't think investigative journalism is a big deal here and those who try are often warned of the error of their ways directly or by pressure being put on the newspaper's owner. When Mr. T was PM a large newspaper group which was critical of him received an anonymous phone call to say they had just lost a big advertising contract, and would get no future business, until they eased off.

[Bellweather]

Both Nong KK and noitom have raised good points as Yes, government inefficiency, excessive control etc. needs exposing but as we know it tends to fall on deaf ears as those in charge consider they are above it all and they call the shots anyway.

Yes, newspapers are not big on real exposes' and seem content to get a headline out then sit back and let the story unfold rather than chase it' although there are often good reasons why the latter course of action isn't always wise.

[bigbamboo]

There's an interesting OP ED in the " other newspaper " on this subject which is highly critical of the DSI and covers many of the points raised in posts here on TV.

The writer points out the DSI seems to have known about the luxury car situation but was sitting on it as with many other cases and the only urgency they show is in dealing with allegations against the Democrats.

It describes the DSI is a tool of the government and lacks the strength of leadership to keep it independent.

I know its all been said before on TV but it's good, even vital, that this is being aired in public elsewhere but I wonder if the Thai media have, or will, take this up too ?. Can anyone with better knowledge of this care to add what they know ?

It is remarkable how the DSI have put so much evidence together in such a short time.... and none of it implicating Abhisit.

But I guess that's why they call Thailand amazing !

[Thai at Heart]

There's an interesting OP ED in the " other newspaper " on this subject which is highly critical of the DSI and covers many of the points raised in posts here on TV.

The writer points out the DSI seems to have known about the luxury car situation but was sitting on it as with many other cases and the only urgency they show is in dealing with allegations against the Democrats.

It describes the DSI is a tool of the government and lacks the strength of leadership to keep it independent.

I know its all been said before on TV but it's good, even vital, that this is being aired in public elsewhere but I wonder if the Thai media have, or will, take this up too ?. Can anyone with better knowledge of this care to add what they know ?

It is remarkable how the DSI have put so much evidence together in such a short time.... and none of it implicating Abhisit.

But I guess that's why they call Thailand amazing !

Reading all the links, this has been going on for years. Why it's so important now God knows. Shortage of cash on the books for the government, or is this a long term sting with democrats involved?

If so? Why no big names shopped yet?

[Bellweather]

There's an interesting OP ED in the " other newspaper " on this subject which is highly critical of the DSI and covers many of the points raised in posts here on TV.

The writer points out the DSI seems to have known about the luxury car situation but was sitting on it as with many other cases and the only urgency they show is in dealing with allegations against the Democrats.

It describes the DSI is a tool of the government and lacks the strength of leadership to keep it independent.

I know its all been said before on TV but it's good, even vital, that this is being aired in public elsewhere but I wonder if the Thai media have, or will, take this up too ?. Can anyone with better knowledge of this care to add what they know ?

It is remarkable how the DSI have put so much evidence together in such a short time.... and none of it implicating Abhisit.

But I guess that's why they call Thailand amazing !

It's a bit like statistics as they can prove whatever is wanted at the time but often don't stand up to close examination and are usually countered by another set of stats.

I'm sure PTP through its " operational arm " the DSI are quite happy to keep heaping as much dirt as they can on the Dems and are not letting the " evidence " become confused by the facts.

[smutcakes]

I don't think you need to work in the DSI to know that scams have been happening for years on luxury cars- other than the DSI, I am sure there are many departments, that could and should have taken this up over the years- its just the burning of those luxury cars has put it into the spot light and forced a department to be seen to be doing something, and this case its the DSI- It will soon all blow over and be forgotten about.

[FarangTalk]

The widespread stench of corruption that taints this country will continue unabated. Too many unethical and immoral people with their fingers in the pies and too much to lose.

[pisico]

The widespread stench of corruption that taints this country will continue unabated. Too many unethical and immoral people with their fingers in the pies and too much to lose.

CAREFUL! You may be reassigned to a non-active forum.

[manarak]

assembled, reassembled... the article is not very clear about what is tax fraud and what is ok to do.

anyway, they could save themselves the headaches if they just raised the tax level on autoparts to the same as for complete vehicles.

[ratcatcher]

Looks like someone will be missing their nice 1968 red Mustang. Stand by for auction time.

[webfact]

120 luxury cars seized for possible tax evasion
By English News

BANGKOK, June 10 – Thai authorities seized 120 luxury cars, suspected to have been illegally imported, in raids at various locations in Bangkok and other provinces yesterday.

Tarit Pengdith, director general of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), said authorities confiscated the vehicles from three assembly workshops, two used car dealer outlets and several houses and condominiums.

Six luxury cars were earlier seized by police who charged the owners of tax evasion.

Mr Tarit said some of the luxury cars were installed with liquefied petroleum gas cylinders to mislead authorities.

In one of the raids in Prachinburi province, police found and seized 37 luxury cars from a car assembly plant.

He said the DSI will meet with six related state agencies today to discuss developments in the luxury car scandal and announce the names of owners of “super cars” worth over Bt4 million each.

DSI's Tarit said owners of a number of luxury vehicles, including well-known personalities, have contacted the authorities to assert their innocence and willingness to be inspected.

The abbot of Wat Pak Nam, Irrigation Department director general Lertvirote Kowattana and the secretary to Justice Minister Kasem Rattanasunthorn were among them.

Mr Tarit said earlier that luxury cars registered between October 31, 2010 and May 31 this year will be checked, targeting cars with market prices of Bt4 million and higher. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-06-10

[webfact]

Two thousand luxury cars hidden in Chon Buri port
By Coconuts Bangkok



A luxurious means of conveyance

CHON BURI: -- Around 2,000 luxury cars have been smuggled inside Thailand and stored at Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri's Si Racha district, a source from the port's Customs Office has revealed.

The cars were reportedly hidden in portions of the port that are reserved for allowing private companies to store dangerous goods. Some of the cars have already been sold off under the condition that the importers will pay the import tax later, the source added.

Full story: http://bangkok.coconuts.co/2013/06/10/two-thousand-luxury-cars-hidden-chon-buri-port

-- Coconuts Bangkok 2013-06-10

[winstonc]

remember although the government is seriously corrupt,the mass media is equally MORALLY corrupt,,,,,,,just spineless institutions,,,,sorry it was off topic,,

[TheShockMaster]

How long before we see a few white and maroon sports cars going around with lights on top.

Edited June 10, 2013 by CalzoHoudini

[laurentbkk]

When you can afford such cars I guess you can also afford the taxes which go with it no ?

[clockman]

Remember its dangerous to probe in to connected people. The libel and slander laws were put in place, by the same people. And hit men can be hired easily, life is cheap. In this so called Buddhist country!

[Thai at Heart]

The cars were reportedly hidden in portions of the port that are reserved for allowing private companies to store dangerous goods. Some of the cars have already been sold off under the condition that the importers will pay the import tax later, the source added.

Now how hunky dorey is this. What a complete an utter example of the most ridicuos corruption you can ever think of.

[belg]

maybe time to stop the xenophobic 307% import scam ... as a farang or thai, you have two options... drive local crap or pay super inflated prices for a descent car

Edited June 10, 2013 by belg

[aguy30]

"Some of the cars have already been sold off under the condition that the importers will pay the import tax later"

Storing tax free is bad enough but paying later, if they pay at all, is absurd!

Why aren't the importers required to pay the taxes when the vehicle arrives and is evaluated by customs?

Is the government acting as an interest free bank for this group and WHY?

Can't help wondering how easy it is to accidently delete an arrival and the tax due from the Customs Department computers?

How easy is it for a customs official to "adjust" the import tax due for his "special" friends in exchange for a little gift?

Are imported vehicles a huge profit center for the Customs Department tea fund?

[wilcopops]

All this arises out of a ridiculous "protective" taxation system.

eventually Thailand will have to stop this one-sided tax on imported cars - or at least reuse it to non-prohibitive levels at present it is just another breeding ground for corruption graft and nepotism......

thailand has signed fre-trade agreements with such countries as Japan and Australia which are well into their introduction periods - it will be interesting to see what happens when the duties on imports from Japan disappear.

[connda]

If the government didn't gouge potential car owners with outrageous import duties and taxes, this would be a non-issue. Chevy is now manufacturing a car under 10,000 dollars US. An affordable vehicle for the Indian market. Why not Thailand. Probably because after customs duties, the car would cost twice as much. To own a car in Thailand you need to be independently wealthy or a debt-slave.

[COXYATCITY]

i am a poor man but can get about 100,000 bt together ,will i be able to drive 1 of these around the block,or can i only clean it lol

[jaapfries]

"Seven inspection teams were dispatched by Pol Lt General Kornwat Parnprapakorn, commander of the special operation division of the DSI."

First of all; within the DSI there are no "ranks" !

Secondly the chap's name is Korrawat Parnprapakorn and he was previously a Pol. Ltnt. Colonel at the CCSD; certainly not a General.

Thirdly; Khun Korrawat is a Director of Special Ops. at the DSI HQ in Bangkok.

If you're going to report stuff, please do the requited homework and be precise.

[rogerdee123]

When you can afford such cars I guess you can also afford the taxes which go with it no ?

But this is "Amazing Thailand" .. can hear that elevator music playing in the background.

People who can afford these cars usually don't pay ANY taxes. Often they fly first class on TG free of charge. These also don't get traffic tickets and can go straight to the front of every line. Some of them are "public servants" with low Govt salaries but yet they can manage to "save" enough to have multi million $ houses also. Average people worship and even vote for them because they and their families are so clever.

[HerbalEd]

When you can afford such cars I guess you can also afford the taxes which go with it no ?

200% to 300% tax is very stiff indeed. I can afford it but just can't bring myself to do it. It goes against my grain to pay three times what the car actually costs.

[julemanden]

When you can afford such cars I guess you can also afford the taxes which go with it no ?

Noooooooooooooooooo, too much money out of the pockets hurt, big time!!!!!!! No money left to play smart ass for!!!!

Edited June 10, 2013 by julemanden

[Thai at Heart]

When you can afford such cars I guess you can also afford the taxes which go with it no ?

200% to 300% tax is very stiff indeed. I can afford it but just can't bring myself to do it. It goes against my grain to pay three times what the car actually costs.

It's almost as though the whole system was set up to encourage smuggling. Customs knows that there is a huge incentive not to pay, the difference in the price imported versus on the road is so gargantuan, that even to give the customs blokey 1mn a car is doable, and then you get to drive away in your very high priced car, and become essentially above the law, because no one messes with people in imported cars.

As yet, no mention of heads rolling at customs in the ports in Bangkok. As though these cars just spirited their way into the country.