Thaksin's Children To Be Forced To Pay Income Tax At 37 Per Cent Rate

[Jai Dee]

AEC forwards Shinawatra tax evasion case to prosecuting attorney

The Assets Examination Committee has forwarded case dossiers on the sale of Shinawatra Computer company stocks to the prosecuting attorney for prosecution of Mr. Banpot Damapong (บรรณพจน์ ดามาพงศ์ )and Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra (พจมาน ชินวัตร) on charges of tax evasion.

The Chairman of the Assets Examination Committee, Mr. Sak Korsangruang (สัก กอแสงเรือง ), reports that a prosecution subcommittee has completed its case dossier on the case of Mr. Banpot Damapong (บรรณพจน์ ดามาพงศ์ )and Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra (พจมาน ชินวัตร). The two suspects have been charged with knowingly engaging in tax evasion on sales of Shinawatra Computer company stocks.

The prosecution subcommittee has met this morning (February 12) to inspect the completeness of documents and has submitted relevant evidence to the AEC. Mr. Sak said that the case has now been forwarded to the relevant prosecution attorney who will take the case to the Criminal Court. Meanwhile one of the members of the prosecution subcommittee, Mr. Klanarong Jantig (กล้านรงค์ จันทิก), has expressed his belief that the prosecution has enough evidence to convict the suspects of wrongdoing.

Mr. Sak said that the Shinawatra Computer company case had 6 total suspects, but that the prosecution subcommittee currently has evidence to prosecute only 4. The AEC Chairman added that the suspects would be charged under article 37 of the Revenue Code, for committing perjury in order to engage in tax evasion. If convicted the suspects face imprisonment from 3 months to 7 years, and a fine from 2,000 to 200,000 baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 February 2007

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's wife to face tax graft charges

Official government media reported that the Assets Examination Committee forwarded case dossiers this morning, recommending charges against Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra and her brother Banpot Damapong over their transfer of Shin Corp shares. AEC chairman Sak Korsangruang said the prosecution subcommittee looking into the case finished its final paperwork on Monday morning, and forwarded the case dossier to the public prosecutor, with a recommendation to charge the two. The specific charges recommended by the AEC will be that Khunying Pojamarn and her brother "knowingly engaged in tax evasion on sales of Shinawatra Computer company stocks."

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=116739

Edited February 12, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

If a newcomer was to look at this they would probably see that Thaksin is off running around trying to drum up some sort of support because he is afraid to come back. Meanwhile his wife and children are getting the heat in Thailand for his miss doings. I wonder I they would be far off the mark with that assumption.

[sriracha john]

Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother, Bhanapot Damapong

Thai anti-graft panel recommends charges

BANGKOK, Thailand - A panel appointed to investigate corruption linked to deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has recommended that criminal tax evasion charges be filed against his wife, her secretary and her brother, its chairman said Monday.

Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother Bhanapot Damapong failed to pay the necessary taxes on a 1997 transfer of shares in the family business, according to an investigation by the Assets Examination Committee, panel chairman Nam Yimyaem told reporters.

The committee had said that almost $15 million (502.9 Million Thai Baht) should have been paid in tax.

Thaksin was accused of massive corruption during his two terms in office, and the military cited the graft allegations as one of the justifications for staging a bloodless coup against him last September. He is now in exile abroad.

In the aftermath of the coup, the military government set up several special committees to investigate whether Thaksin, his family and colleagues could be prosecuted for graft.

However, the current case, which involved the transfer of stock in the family business later known as Shin Corp. through the Shinawatra maid, predates Thaksin's coming to power in 2001.

The 1997 deal was originally deemed to be tax-free since it was called "a gift," the committee had earlier announced. However, a subsequent investigation found that a check issued to the maid was later deposited in a new bank account belonging to Thaksin's wife.

The case is not connected to the contentious sale of Shin Corp., the telecommunications conglomerate Thaksin sold last year to Temasek Holdings, a Singaporean state-owned company, for $2.2 billion.

- Associated Press

Edited February 13, 2007 by sriracha john

[ilyushin]

Good news! Make an example of them.

Suggest some time in stir and community service like street sweeping or trash collection.

[ThaiGoon]

Nice!

[Jai Dee]

Thaksin's lawyer charged with court defamation

A lawyer of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was Tuesday arraigned for defaming the Criminal Court when he criticized the court over the ruling against the previous election commission.

Thana Benjathikul was charged in the Criminal for violating Article 198 of the Criminal Code by giving interviews to the media over the Criminal Court's ruling against three former EC commissioners.

Source: The Nation - 13 February 2007

[johnnyk]

As The Beatles sang, Its getting better all the time...

Edited February 13, 2007 by johnnyk

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's lawyer charged with court defamation

A lawyer of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was Tuesday arraigned for defaming the Criminal Court when he criticized the court over the ruling against the previous election commission.

Thana Benjathikul was charged in the Criminal for violating Article 198 of the Criminal Code by giving interviews to the media over the Criminal Court's ruling against three former EC commissioners.

Source: The Nation - 13 February 2007

Ex - Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s lawyer Thana Benjathikul, second from right

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

His wife... his brother-in-law... and now his lawyer .... all have charges... not a good week for the Shinawatra dynasty.

but on a positive note, I understand Thaksin has taken 1 off his handicap on the Australian golfing links this week...

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's lawyer faces charge

A lawyer of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra faces a charge of contempt of the Criminal Court after attorneys agreed to file a lawsuit against him Tuesday. Thana Benjathikul, known as the chief legal counsel of Mr Thaksin, allegedly criticised the Criminal Court after its July 25 verdict against three former election commissioners. Criticism of criminal court decisions and, by extension the judges involved, is forbidden by tough contempt laws in Thailand. If convicted of disrespecting the ruling, Mr Thana faces a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of 2,000 to 14,000 baht.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=116764

[sriracha john]

Thaksin's OTHER lawyer speaks out:

Thai government moves to bring Thaksin's family to court

BANGKOK : A lawyer for Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has vowed to fight any criminal charges brought against his family, after investigators accused his wife of tax evasion.

A powerful team of graft-busters appointed by Thailand's government recommended that prosecutors charge Thaksin's wife Pojaman Shinawatra, her step-brother and her personal secretary with tax evasion.

If convicted on the charges, which are unrelated to the controversial sale last year of telecom giant Shin Corp, each could end up in prison for up to seven years.

Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadon Pattama, vowed to fight what he said were politically motivated charges against the family.

"The committee has tried to accuse people close to the ex-premier...we are not sure if their investigation met proper standards," Noppadon said.

He said Thaksin's family never expected to face criminal charges over an offence normally settled with a fine.

"We have prepared a legal team to fight the charges all the way to the top court," Noppadon said.

The tax evasion charges stem from a 1997 deal in which Pojaman and her step-brother, Banpot Damapong, sold 4.5 million shares in the family's Shinawatra Computer and Communication Company, which later became Shin Corp.

Authorities earlier ordered Banpot to pay 546 million baht (US$15.7 million) in fines and back taxes on the 738-million-baht share sale.

He has already paid the fine while he lodges an appeal.

Investigators "unanimously agreed that they committed clear wrongdoing based on the evidence that we have," said Klanarong Chantik, a key member of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The panel, which was set up by the Thai government shortly after the September coup that ousted Thaksin, was expected to formally refer the case to prosecutors within days, he added.

The case pre-dates Thaksin's five years as prime minister, which began in 2001.

The military staged the takeover saying that it would clean up alleged corruption under Thaksin's government, and has come under mounting criticism for the slow pace of its investigations.

"The violation of the tax law is quite clear in this case," political analyst Panitan Wattanayagorn said. "It is expected to go forward quite rapidly."

Thaksin himself has not returned to Thailand since the coup, staying first in London and now hopping around Asia. He is currently in Australia where he says he wants to buy a house.

But his wife Pojaman is currently in Thailand, as are at least two of his children.

- AFP

[Jai Dee]

Khunying Jaruwan is not concerned over the objection of Khunying Potjaman

Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka, the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) member, is not worried that Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, the wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin, has submitted a document to oppose her for being one of the members of the AEC subcommittee responsible for probing the bid for the 33-rai land plot in Ratchadaphisek area. Khunying Jaruwan said other members of the subcommittee can still investigate the case nonetheless.

AEC member Jaruwan said Khunying Potjaman’s objection would not create a problem and it is her right to voice her protest. In addition, she believes the subcommittee will be able to probe the case with limited timeframe.

Other subcommittee members who have not been objected by Khunying Potjaman include Mr. Banjerd Singkaneti and Legal Execution Department director-general Kanyanut Sorthip. Furthermore, officials from the Department of Lands were summoned to give more information to the AEC officials. However, more witnesses relating to this case will have to be interrogated.

At the same time, Khunying Jaruwan also personally sees that the AEC does not have the need to publicize its operation via television because the committee has worked fittingly, and it would not be necessary for the committee to publicize its achievements. However, she is ready to comply with the Council for National Security’s order to publicize the AEC’s operation to the public.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 13 Febuary 2007

[sriracha john]

after all what's losing a few millions from the Empire compared to getting that ugbug out of the way?

ugbug?!?!?! why I'll have you know the fine lady cuts a striking figure....

(just have to remind the photographer to use the wide-angle lens next time in order to include everything)

[gummy]

after all what's losing a few millions from the Empire compared to getting that ugbug out of the way?

ugbug?!?!?! why I'll have you know the fine lady cuts a striking figure....

(just have to remind the photographer to use the wide-angle lens next time in order to include everything)

Magic - is that a rice cooker she is carrying ?

[John K]

Have you noted the change in the tone. First out and out denial, then once the accusations came down, it has changed to attacks on the investigators. ( I don’t like him/her).

Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka, the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) member, is not worried that Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, the wife of former Prime Minister Thaksin, has submitted a document to oppose her for being one of the members of the AEC subcommittee responsible for probing the bid for the 33-rai land plot in Ratchadaphisek area. Khunying Jaruwan said other members of the subcommittee can still investigate the case nonetheless.

Then the remote Thaksin mouth started up saying we will fight this to the top.

Thaksin's lawyer, Noppadon Pattama, vowed to fight what he said were politically motivated charges against the family.

"The committee has tried to accuse people close to the ex-premier...we are not sure if their investigation met proper standards," Noppadon said.

Proper standards????!!! I guess he means not finding Thaksin accountable is proper standards.

Just about now that cozy smug feeling they had is just about to expire I would say.

[slimdog]

Pojaman tax case will take time, says AEC spokesman

The tax evasion case against Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother will take time to reach a final verdict as the case has to go through three courts, Assets Examination Committee (AEC) spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said yesterday.

Sak said the AEC had found it could not lodge the tax evasion case with a Tax Court because the bill to set up such a court has not been passed yet.

Even if the National Legislative Assembly passes the bill quickly, the law will only come into effect 180 days after it is announced in the Royal Gazette.

Sak said if the case was lodged with the Tax Court - and the suspect appeals - the case can skip trial in the Appeal Court and be tried only in the Supreme Court.

The AEC will submit the tax evasion case to the public prosecutor today after checking all the evidence and documents.

Bhanapot Damapong, Pojaman's brother, will today give his testimony over the Shin Corp sale at the AEC.

AEC member Udom Fuangfung said he would not file a libel suit against Pojaman for citing he has "no ethics" as the reason against him sitting on an investigation committee to probe the land-deal corruption allegation. He dismissed her reason as groundless.

As parts of a public relations effort, the AEC will televise its work on Channel 5 during prime time from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, once a week starting March 9.

AEC secretary Kaewsan Atibodhi said the AEC was considering what format the programme should take. The agency wants the public to know just how corruption is carried out and what the process is - and how to prevent it.

The agency will not provide details about the 13 cases it is investigating.

Meanwhile, AEC member Jaruwan Maintaka has given a media interview disagreeing with the media blitz about the AEC's work.

Source: The Nation - 15 February 2007

Edited February 15, 2007 by Jai Dee
News source identified

[slimdog]

Pojaman tax case will take time, says AEC spokesman

The tax evasion case against Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra and her brother will take time to reach a final verdict as the case has to go through three courts, Assets Examination Committee (AEC) spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said yesterday.

Sak said the AEC had found it could not lodge the tax evasion case with a Tax Court because the bill to set up such a court has not been passed yet.

Even if the National Legislative Assembly passes the bill quickly, the law will only come into effect 180 days after it is announced in the Royal Gazette.

Sak said if the case was lodged with the Tax Court - and the suspect appeals - the case can skip trial in the Appeal Court and be tried only in the Supreme Court.

The AEC will submit the tax evasion case to the public prosecutor today after checking all the evidence and documents.

Maybe someone can make some sense of this....

In a previous post the AEC said it had found the couple guilty of tax evasion, but they are now saying that the law they want to charge them with, hasn't been written yet (Or at least there's no court willing to take the case). As the Tax court can only try cases of actual Tax evasion, whereas Tax in this case has been paid (allbeit belatedly). But if the AEC do charge them with tax evasion (At the Tax Court) ,and the siblings appeal the charge, then they can skip trial in the appeals court (The Appeals court can only be used once a trial has actually taken place) and progress to the Supreme Court for trial (With no means of appeal).

Otherwise they have to wait 6 months for a new court to be appointed specifically for conspiring to evade taxes, and by which time the statute of limitations has expired....

Forgot to put a link to the original article, which is:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/15...al_30026910.php

Edited February 15, 2007 by slimdog

[Jai Dee]

Mr. Bhanapot testified before AEC panel about Temasek-Shin Corp transactions

Former Shin Corporation (Shin Corp) executive Bhanapot Damapong testified before the panel of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) about the Ample Rich Investment and Temasek-Shin Corp transactions today (Feb 15).

Mr. Viroj Laohaphan, the head of the panel probing the tax-free sale of Shin Corp shares to Temasek, chaired the Mr. Bhanapot’s testimony since 10 AM today. Prior to the testimony, Mr. Bhanapot briefly stated that he did not bring any document to support his explanation, but he was only complying with the AEC’s order.

The panel prepared more than 20 questions. Mr. Sak Korsaengruang, a member of this panel, pointed out that Mr. Bhanapot would be aware of the Temasek-Shin Corp transactions because he used to be an executive of Shin Corp. However, the panel would have to wait for more results to determine whether former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was linked to this deal. Moreover, Mr. Sak said Mr. Bhanapot is not the final person to present the information on this case.

Meanwhile, Network of People Power for Thailand chairman Surapong Tovijakchaiyakul presented further information on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) 6.7-billion-baht fire trucks and boats procurement case to the AEC. The network would like the AEC to summon former ministers to give more information of this case in order to cover all perspectives.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 Febuary 2007

[sriracha john]

Pojaman Shinawatra

MCOT

Tax evasion charge against Thaksin’s wife a 'long-haul', says AEC

BANGKOK – The tax evasion charges against Pojaman Shinawatra and her step-brother are likely to involve a lengthy court battle before a final verdict can be reached, the spokesman for Thailand's Assets Examination Committee has warned.

Sak Korsaengruang said that the committee has found that it could not fast-track the hearing and lodge the case with the tax court as the bill to set up such a court has not yet been passed.

Prosecuting the case in the tax court would have shortened the procedure as there would be no appeal court, according to Mr Sak. The final decision rests with the Supreme Court if the defendants want to appeal, unlike in criminal court procedures where cases would be heard in three courts.

Although the military-installed government and the hand-picked National Legislative Assembly could push through the bill in one sitting, it would still have to wait for 180 days after it is entered into the Royal Gazette to take effect.

That would not be in time for this case, the AEC spokesman said, adding that the committee is expected to forward the investigation findings to the attorney-general office on Thursday.

“It will then be up to the attorney-general to decide whether to prosecute the case,” Mr Sak told reporters.

Nam Yimyaem, AEC chairman, said he expected the attorney general office could take one to two weeks to review the AEC findings before deciding whether or not there was a case for prosecution.

The committee alleged that Pojaman and her brother, Bhanapot Damapong, failed to pay up to $15 million in taxes on the transfer of shares in 1997. The charges, if proven, carry fines and jail terms of up to seven years. They are also charged with providing misleading information to the authorities.

The Shinawatras claim the transfer of 4.5 million shares in the family company was a gift. Pojaman also is under investigation for a land deal involving the Bank of Thailand, the country's central bank.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Reminiscent of the other thread:

Thaksin's Son Grilled For Two Hours

comes this one:

Pinthongta Grilled For Seven Hours

*guess she was a bit tougher cut of beef...*

It's good thing she had a lot of water... proper basting is important during a long grill.

Time for more of Thakky's kinfolk to be put onto the barbie:

Bhanapot gets 5-hour grilling

The Assets Examination Committee questioned Bhanapot Damapong for over five hours yesterday, mainly about the setting up of Ample Rich to sell Shin Corp shares worth Bt73.3 billion to Singapore's investment firm Temasek.

AEC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said Bhanapot, brother-in-law of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, testified as a shareholder and Shin Corp chairman. He said Bhanapot gave new and useful information to the AEC subcommittee, but needed to submit documents as evidence.

Viroj Laohaphan, chairman of the AEC subcommittee probing the deal, said Bhanapot told them that Ample Rich was established to sell shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the US. Asked why Ample Rich did not have any stated activities, Viroj said the panel understood the US banned stock trading with companies established in the British Virgin Islands.

Sak also handed to public prosecutors the panel's investigation file on the tax evasion case involving Shinawatra Computer and Communications and Pojaman Shinawatra, Bhanapot and Pojaman's secretary Kanchana Honghern.

Attorney-General Pachara Yuthitham-damrong accepted the 902-page report from Sak and said he would make sure a quick decision would be made on the case.

Meanwhile, the Council for National Security plans to ask the government for the AEC's term to be extended if it fails to complete its task in one year, CNS spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said.

And, the AEC panel probing the CTX bomb scanner scandal is set to name seven more suspects, including foreigners.

- The Nation

[Tony Clifton]

Bhanapot told them that Ample Rich was established to sell shares on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the US. Asked why Ample Rich did not have any stated activities, Viroj said the panel understood the US banned stock trading with companies established in the British Virgin Islands.

Another honest mistake.

[Jai Dee]

Ms. Sopawadee today gives testimony concerning Shin Corp's share distribution

Managing Director of Thailand Security Depository Co., Ltd, Ms. Sopawadee Lertmanutchai (โสภาวดี เลิศมนัสชัย) today gave her testimony concerning share distributions between Shin Corp and Ample Ric Inc to the Assets Examination Committee (AEC). She admitted that she acted as registrar for the Shin Corp’s transaction in the stock market.

Following the AEC’s investigation on Shin Corp’s share distribution, Ms. Sopawadee today has been called upon to clarify the case. However, she refused to give further details of the case.

AEC had pressed for information from Ms. Sopawadee as the investigation body suspects Mr Sopawadee's enagagement in the transactions of the share distribution. As for Ample Rich, the AEC will ask for the overall image and consider on whether the share deal has abided by law or not.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[sriracha john]

and now... Potjaman wants to shuffle assets out of Thailand...

BOT does not yet approve Pojaman's requrest to bring Bt200 million out of the country

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has not yet approved the request of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife, Potjaman, to bring money out of the country to buy a house in London, said the governor Tarisa Watanagase.

She said the BOT is pending for comments from the Assets Examination Committee (AEC) and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) whether the BOT's approval will have any legal impact on the probe launched by the two agencies against Thaksin.

"We have full authority to approve Potjaman's demand but we need to clarify the legal issues first," Tarisa siad.

According to the Exchange Control Act, bringing money out of the Kingdom to buy property abroad in an excesss of US$500,000, the persons need an approval from the BOT. They are required to present all evidence related to the purchase.

Tarisa said she did not know if Potjaman enclosed the evidence with her request.

The Nation

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

Apparently not all of their dosh made it out earlier in one of her 118 suitcases...

[mongoose]

and now... Potjaman wants to shuffle assets out of Thailand...

BOT does not yet approve Pojaman's requrest to bring Bt200 million out of the country

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has not yet approved the request of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife, Potjaman, to bring money out of the country to buy a house in London, said the governor Tarisa Watanagase.

Tarisa said she did not know if Potjaman enclosed the evidence with her request.

The Nation

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

"evidence" shemedevence, it is meaningless. Buy a house tomorrow, sell it the next day or get the money out and then say the deal fell through. If they let her get it out and she will do what ever she wants with it.

[sriracha john]

THAKSIN'S WIFE PLANS TO BUY 200 MILLION BAHT UK HOME

Central bank still refusing to allow Potjaman cash transfer

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is still refusing to allow Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of the deposed prime minister, to transfer 200 million baht in cash to the United Kingdom to buy a house. Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the BoT had sent letters to the the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Assets Scrutiny Committee, asking whether allowing Potjaman to transfer her money out of the country would violate any law. Neither anti-graft body has sent back a reply yet. ''We want to make sure that if we approve the transfer it will not lead to further problems later on,'' said Ms Tarisa. As Potjaman wants to transfer 200 million baht in cash, her transaction requires BoT approval. Responding to Ms Tarisa's remarks, ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem acknowledged receiving the BoT's letter. He said Potjaman actually wanted to transfer a total of 400 million baht out of the country, not 200 million.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/20Feb2007_news14.php

Edited February 20, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

THAKSIN'S WIFE PLANS TO BUY 200 MILLION BAHT UK HOME

Central bank still refusing to allow Potjaman cash transfer

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is still refusing to allow Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of the deposed prime minister, to transfer 200 million baht in cash to the United Kingdom to buy a house. Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the BoT had sent letters to the the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the Assets Scrutiny Committee, asking whether allowing Potjaman to transfer her money out of the country would violate any law. Neither anti-graft body has sent back a reply yet. ''We want to make sure that if we approve the transfer it will not lead to further problems later on,'' said Ms Tarisa. As Potjaman wants to transfer 200 million baht in cash, her transaction requires BoT approval. Responding to Ms Tarisa's remarks, ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem acknowledged receiving the BoT's letter. He said Potjaman actually wanted to transfer a total of 400 million baht out of the country, not 200 million.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/20Feb2007_news14.php

Can someone tell me why the Shinawatra family thinks everyone has the same educational attainment as their voter base? I find it a bit insulting to the Thais, but it only shows they have not changed.

[Jai Dee]

AEC rejects Khunying Potjaman’s request

Assets Examination Committee (AEC) issued a resolution to call off Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra’s request opposing the nomination of a subcommittee investigating the Ratchadaphisek land deal.

Spokesman of AEC Sak Korsangruang (สัก กอแสงเรือง) revealed that the AEC meeting yesterday (February, 19) had agreed to reject the request submitted to AEC by Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, the wife of the former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

According to the request, Khunying Potjaman claims that the subcommittee, especially its chairman Udom Feung-fung (อุดม เฟื่องฟุ้ง) and Khunying Jaruwan Maintaka, are inappropriate to probe her case as they are partial and used to have personal conflicts with her husband.

The AEC meeting indicated that Khunying Potjamna’s reasons opposing the subcommittee are mostly subjective.

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

[John K]

Doesn’t everyone have personal conflicts with her husband?

I guess what she means is only the people she can buy are appropriate.

[Sing_Sling]

Kind of like her hubby saying that he should be allowed to decide to whom and what to pay his taxes, if he owes them at all whihc is not proven but he is willing to have that probed but only by people he would deem to be impartial to probe . . . . yaddah yaddah yaddh . . . . what a joke.

[sriracha john]

THAKSIN'S WIFE PLANS TO BUY 200 MILLION BAHT UK HOME

Central bank still refusing to allow Potjaman cash transfer

The Bank of Thailand (BoT) is still refusing to allow Potjaman Shinawatra, wife of the deposed prime minister, to transfer 200 million baht in cash to the United Kingdom to buy a house. Responding to Ms Tarisa's remarks, ASC chairman Nam Yimyaem acknowledged receiving the BoT's letter. He said Potjaman actually wanted to transfer a total of 400 million baht out of the country, not 200 million.

Pojaman's bid to buy UK house hits snag

American suing Thaksin hinders funds transfer

The Bank of Thailand (BOT) says it needs more time to consider Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra's request to transfer Bt400 million to the United Kingdom to buy a house in London, now that an American businessman suing her husband, Thaksin, has asked to block the transfer.

The businessman is suing the former premier for Bt6 billion.

BOT assistant governor Nitaya Pibulratanagit said yesterday that William L Monson had written to the bank to ask that the transfer to be blocked. "We're assigning the legal department to consider if a person who is facing a lawsuit can take money out of the Kingdom," Nitaya said.

"We will not investigate the lawsuit but simply see whether the transfer is legal in principle," she explained.

Monson wrote to the Bank of Thailand on Tuesday, a day after BOT Governor Tarisa Watanagase said the central bank had no objection to Pojaman's request to take Bt400 million out of the country as long as all the documents were in order. Monson wrote: "This lawsuit is against Pol Lt-Colonel Thaksin Shinawatra, Khunying Pojaman's husband. Her transfer of that amount of money will jeopardise my case against her husband and will seriously harm me.

"I would like to formally request that you, as the governor of the Bank of Thailand, disapprove of the request of Khunying Pojaman ... as well as any requests from Thaksin.

"You and the Bank of Thailand will be held responsible for any damages that might be caused to me by your actions."

Monson, the manager of cable television operator CTVC of Hawaii, forged a partnership with International Broadcasting Corp (IBC) in the late 1980s. Thaksin was IBC's major shareholder and chairman. Later, Thaksin sued Monson for embezzlement.

Monson subsequently sued Thaksin for perjury, seeking Bt6 billion in compensation.

- The Nation