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

[rak sa_ngop]

"Mr Sak said Pinthongta's refusal to give a statement to the ASC violated the anti-corruption law, which stipulates imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to 60,000 baht."

Does this mean that we are inline for a Thai version of the 'Paris Hilton prison saga"?

Better get those hankies ready!

[Jai Dee]

Ex-PM's daughter testifies in alleged tax evasion case

Pinthongta Shinawatra, a daughter of deposed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Tuesday testified before a sub-committee of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), the inquiry panel investigating the high-profile alleged tax evasion case related to last year's Shin Corp share deal.

Ms. Pinthongta arrived at the AEC's office an 2 pm amid tight security, accompanied by her uncle-in-law Somchai Wongsawat, a former permanent secretary for justice. She left the inquiry panel without giving an interview to a flock of reporters.

Ms. Pinthongta and her elder brother Mr. Panthongtae are among those implicated in alleged tax evasion case involving the sale in January last year of shares worth Bt73 billion in telecoms giant Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings, the Singaporean government's investment arm. The tax-free deal sparked a series of demonstrations against Mr.Thaksin and eventually led to the military coup removing him from office on Sept 19, 2006.

The AEC installed by the military Council for National Security (CNS) which staged the September 19 coup, had ruled against the two siblings over the transaction of Shin Corp's shares on part that was held by Ample Rich Investments, a front company registered and set up by Mr. Thaksin in the British Virgin Islands.

The AEC earlier asked that the Revenue Department demand a corporate tax collection of Bt20.89 billion (US$616 million) from the firm, saying that Mr. Thaksin's two children were liable for the tax since both were company directors at the time of the transaction.

The panel ruled that Ample Rich had earned income from the Shin Corp share sale, dividends and profits, and must pay taxes on the transaction since it conducted its business in Thailand, despite being an offshore company registered elsewhere.

Source: TNA -09 October 2007

[John K]

Future looking, if she is arrested and locked up, what will Thaksin do? Will he stay hiding in the UK or step up to the plate and be a man about it?

[cclub75]

Future looking, if she is arrested and locked up, what will Thaksin do? Will he stay hiding in the UK or step up to the plate and be a man about it?

Jail ?

It's just another episode of the comedy : she has delayed 3 times, like her mother, then she comes and give... a letter to explain that she... won't testify.

For sure, we are making progress.

Meanwhile, ASC "will will proceed on Monday to file criminal charges against her". Let's see... they file. Great, we will have a paper (which is, we must remember, the paramount of action in Thailand) . But then we will enter the exotic world of the thai justice system...

Do you really believe that they will send her to jail a few weeks before the election ? Oh, that would be so jai ron.

Bottom line : I think we are daydreaming. The whole circus is likely to continue. It's just entertainement.

[John K]

Future looking, if she is arrested and locked up, what will Thaksin do? Will he stay hiding in the UK or step up to the plate and be a man about it?

Jail ?

It's just another episode of the comedy : she has delayed 3 times, like her mother, then she comes and give... a letter to explain that she... won't testify.

For sure, we are making progress.

Meanwhile, ASC "will will proceed on Monday to file criminal charges against her". Let's see... they file. Great, we will have a paper (which is, we must remember, the paramount of action in Thailand) . But then we will enter the exotic world of the thai justice system...

Do you really believe that they will send her to jail a few weeks before the election ? Oh, that would be so jai ron.

Bottom line : I think we are daydreaming. The whole circus is likely to continue. It's just entertainement.

Perhaps, but the operative word in my previous post is “if.” Typically the justice system is independent from other things. I do recall some major changes in the courts very shortly after a few chats at the palace.

Politically speaking, it would be a good thing to start seeing some extended jail time being served. It would certainly liven things up a bit.

I can’t get over Pinthongta's huge smile, it certainly does not match the scene. I am wondering if she even has a clue what is going on or how serious the is for her.

[sriracha john]

SHIN DEAL PINTHONGTA'S REFUSAL TO TESTIFY

Thaksin's lawyer threatens to sue ASC

Noppadon Pattama, lawyer of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has threatened to sue the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) if it files criminal charges against Pinthongta, Thaksin's eldest daughter, for refusing to testify against her parents. The ASC plans to file legal charges against Pinthongta next Monday after she postponed her testimony three times and again insisted on her right to say nothing on Tuesday when she met the ASC sub-panel investigating alleged irregularities in the Shin Corp share sale to Singapore's Temasek Holdings early last year. She says she does not want to give any evidence which could be detrimental to her parents. ''We did not defy the ASC's summons and we have said that we don't want to give a statement,'' said Noppadon, who is also deputy leader of the People Power party. Pinthongta, who arrived from England to meet ASC members earlier this week, is among those from the Shinawatra and Damapong families who benefited from the profits from the 73-Billion-baht sale of Shin Corp to Temasek. She is believed to have made 29.6 Billion Baht from the deal. However, her assets were later frozen by the ASC. On Tuesday Pinthongta sent a letter to the ASC, saying she would not give any statement deemed detrimental to her parents, Thaksin and Potjaman, as it would be ungrateful of her as a daughter to do so. ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said his sub-panel found her reasons unacceptable because she could give a statement without losing any of her rights.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Oct2007_news07.php

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

In John K's post #571, he asked about a Thai version of USA's 5th amendment protection against self-incrimination. I don't think that's the issue here. She's refusing to testify on the basis it might incriminate her parents, which I would venture to guess is not protected anywhere in the world.

But then again... if everything is above board as the Shinawatra's have always insisted, then there should be nothing incriminating in anything she testifies about.

Thaksin, the Great Father, jeopardizes his own offspring's freedom, in the never-ending greed for even more billions than he already had. That he is willing to sacrifice them to face incarceration in such a reckless and irresponsible manner is very telling and reveals his feelings towards his other "children".... the 68 million Thais of Thailand.

[otherstuff1957]

That big smile of her's does look a bit strange to us, but I suspect that she knows that 'protecting her parents' is something that will really resonate with a Thai judge or jury.

They'll continue playing legal games for a few months or a year and then she'll get a nominal fine and a slap on the wrist. She knows this... hence the smile.

[John K]

I have heard of cases in the states where a spouse can’t be forced to testify but to be honest I don’t know the whole of that. However whatever the reason is it must be backed up with a law in the states or Thailand. Based on the caliber of the latest Thaksin frivolous lawsuits, this non incrimination stuff may very well have be created on the fly by Thaksin.

[sriracha john]

SHIN DEAL PINTHONGTA'S REFUSAL TO TESTIFY

Thaksin's lawyer threatens to sue ASC

Noppadon Pattama, lawyer of ousted PM Thaksin Shinawatra, has threatened to sue the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) if it files criminal charges against Pinthongta, Thaksin's eldest daughter, for refusing to testify against her parents. The ASC plans to file legal charges against Pinthongta next Monday after she postponed her testimony three times and again insisted on her right to say nothing on Tuesday when she met the ASC sub-panel investigating alleged irregularities in the Shin Corp share sale to Singapore's Temasek Holdings early last year. She says she does not want to give any evidence which could be detrimental to her parents. ''We did not defy the ASC's summons and we have said that we don't want to give a statement,'' said Noppadon, who is also deputy leader of the People Power party. Pinthongta, who arrived from England to meet ASC members earlier this week, is among those from the Shinawatra and Damapong families who benefited from the profits from the 73-Billion-baht sale of Shin Corp to Temasek. She is believed to have made 29.6 Billion Baht from the deal. However, her assets were later frozen by the ASC. On Tuesday Pinthongta sent a letter to the ASC, saying she would not give any statement deemed detrimental to her parents, Thaksin and Potjaman, as it would be ungrateful of her as a daughter to do so. ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said his sub-panel found her reasons unacceptable because she could give a statement without losing any of her rights.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/11Oct2007_news07.php

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

In John K's post #571, he asked about a Thai version of USA's 5th amendment protection against self-incrimination. I don't think that's the issue here. She's refusing to testify on the basis it might incriminate her parents, which I would venture to guess is not protected anywhere in the world.

But then again... if everything is above board as the Shinawatra's have always insisted, then there should be nothing incriminating in anything she testifies about.

Thaksin, the Great Father, jeopardizes his own offspring's freedom, in the never-ending greed for even more billions than he already had. That he is willing to sacrifice them to face incarceration in such a reckless and irresponsible manner is very telling and reveals his feelings towards his other "children".... the 68 million Thais of Thailand.

ASC not worried if Thaksin's lawyer sues panel

Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) expressed no concern on Thursday if lawyer of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra will sue the panel if it files criminal charges against his eldest daughter Pinthongta. ASC's statement came after lawyer Noppadon Pattama threatened on Wednesday to sue the panel if it files legal charges against Pinthongta for refusing to testify to the panel on Shin Corp share deal. ASC spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said ASC does its job and is not worried about Noppadon's threat. "Why does she have to be afraid to testify?," asked Mr Sak. "Pinthongta, her lawyers and involved parties have insisted many times that there was no irregularities in the Shin Corp deal. So if they did not do anything wrong, why do they have to be afraid of the questioning?" Pinthongta had postponed her testimony three times and again insisted on her right to say nothing on Tuesday when she met the ASC sub-panel investigating the share sale to Temasek Holdings early last year.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=122532

[John K]

It sounds like the web of lies they weave may be getting too much to handle.

[sriracha john]

Pinthongta faces police complaint

An anti-graft panel looking into the Shin Corp share sale will lodge a complaint with police against Pinthongta Shinawatra for refusing to testify on the case on Tuesday - after postponing several times, Assets Examination Committee (AEC) spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said yesterday.

Sak said the AEC did not fear a threat to be sued. Noppadon Pattama, the Shinawatra family's legal adviser, had said that if the AEC filed a complaint against Pinthongta, they would sue the agency.

The panel investigating the Shin deal will seek approval on Monday from the AEC to lodge the complaint against in the Pinthongta for resisting the AEC order.

Sak said the reason the former PM's daughter gave for not testifying - that her statement may adversely affect her parents - was unreasonable.

"Either she takes us for granted or she fears that if she speaks the truth, her parents will suffer from the consequences. Why does she fear giving information since she and others insist that they have done no wrong?" he asked.

He said this case would be wrapped up by December even though some witnesses had refused to testify.

The AEC panel will meet today to decide whether to "unfreeze" Bt200 million given to Thaicom Foundation by the Shinawatra family, after the foundation's auditor gave evidence on how it had used the money for its operations, a source said.

If the panel releases the Bt200 million, it will not freeze a further Bt900 million the AEC found earlier, which the Shinawatra family donated to the foundation, even though the investigation showed the money came from the proceeds of the Shin sale.

- The Nation

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

In the interim, as an obvious flight risk, they should confiscate her passport.

[sriracha john]

ASC discusses arrest of Thaksin daughter

The Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) will today hold talks to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for Pinthongta Shinawatra, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for refusing to testify on the controversial sale of Shin Corp shares. The afternoon meeting will also discuss the possibility of charging Mr Thaksin with abuse of power for using his position as Prime Minister to approve a 4 billion baht loan to Burma. The loan eventually benefited Mr Thaksin’s family-run business since Burma used part of the money to buy telecommunications equipment from his very

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=122655

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

Her passport, fellas... at least ensure she doesn't leave the country again.

[hammered]

ASC discusses arrest of Thaksin daughter

The Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) will today hold talks to decide whether to issue an arrest warrant for Pinthongta Shinawatra, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for refusing to testify on the controversial sale of Shin Corp shares. The afternoon meeting will also discuss the possibility of charging Mr Thaksin with abuse of power for using his position as Prime Minister to approve a 4 billion baht loan to Burma. The loan eventually benefited Mr Thaksin’s family-run business since Burma used part of the money to buy telecommunications equipment from his very

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=122655

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

Her passport, fellas... at least ensure she doesn't leave the country again.

This is all going to be sorted out at the political level, so I cant see a passport removal occurring or an arrest of a sibling to be honest. That will raise the politcal stakes too much right now. imho

The loan to the Burmese Junta to spend on the family business was right dodgy though. Then again this was also known at the time and there was also the state trip to India to lobby for the Indain authorities to use Shin satellites right when it looked like the decision would go against them. Lots of ethical dodginess, but how much can be proven? That is the problem. Few would dispute Thaksin being corrupt. We live in a time where nobody ever fesses up and nobody will take responsibility for their actions, so certainly Mr. T will not, and to be honest the lesson of use votes to beat the law was taught to him by others back in 2001 when he got off of a slam dunk case thanks o votes recieved and influence used bu odly enough those who now oppose him. The same tactic this time around. Buy up a bunch of unbeatable sitting MPs, win an election and make the cases go away.

[sriracha john]

well, they decided to raise the stakes afterall... busting the billionaire 20-something AS WELL AS a few attorney-types from the sound of it...

Assets Panel Decides on Arrest Warrant against Ousted PM's Daughter

The Assets Examination Committee's general assembly has agreed to take legal action against a daughter of the deposed Prime Minister for refusing to give testimony according to her summons.

The Assets Examination Committee's (AEC) general assembly on Monday agreed to issue an arrest warrant against Pinthongta Shinawatra, daughter of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for refusing to give testimony in its inquiry into the Shin Corp share sell-off.

The AEC says arrest warrants will also be issued against other people involved in persuading Pinthongta not to testify.

- Thailand Outlook

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

When the warrants actually get issued, it looks like it will call for a new thread... as it progresses from making tax payments to a criminal case.

Edited October 15, 2007 by sriracha john

[cclub75]

well, they decided to raise the stakes afterall... busting the billionaire 20-something AS WELL AS a few attorney-types from the sound of it...

Assets Panel Decides on Arrest Warrant against Ousted PM's Daughter

You're going a bit... too fast.

First : they have decided to organize a meeting (today) on this issue.

Then : during this meeting they agreed to ask for an arrest warrant...

That's the problem with thai authorities : they talk a lot.

If you follow the medias, it's astonishing : they do not announce a decision after, instead they say that they will or could take a decision...

Anyway : I will believe it when the arrest warrant will be really issued. And I bet that the daugther would be, how unfortunate, on a shopping trip in HK...

It's just unthinkable that Thaksin's daughter could be arrested.

Furthermore, TNA (official agency) has a slightly... different version : "BANGKOK, Oct 15 (TNA) - Thailand's Assets Examination Committee or AEC has agreed to file a complaint against Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Pinthongta after she failed to testify before a probe panel last week.

Mr. Sak Korsangreung, AEC spokesman, revealed the AEC had ruled on the decision to file a complaint against Pinthongta Shinawatra and related parties at Bangkok's Bang Sue Police Station. "

Edited October 15, 2007 by cclub75

[sriracha john]

A simple pre-emptive, "Let's hold onto your passport for a bit" would go a long way to prevent missed appointments due to UK exams or some malingering excuse like her Mom uses...

With the English-struggling TNA, their "complaint" is an understandable misinterpretation/maladaptive translation of "arrest warrant"

Lots of "unthinkables" have come to pass over the last 20 months.

Edited October 15, 2007 by sriracha john

[John K]

I don’t know if a new thread is the right move SJ, there are too many Thaksin threads already. Outside of that is seems only one active thread per person or topic.

I wonder what her father said to her before she came back. Perhaps something along the line”You will be fine if you don’t say anything, just smile a lot.”

[sriracha john]

Pingthongta & her attorneys are getting their measurements taken for a "change of clothes"....

AEC asks police to charge Pinthongta

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday decided to file a police complaint against Pinthongta Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for refusing to testify in the graft investigation into the sale of Shin Corp.

The committee authorised Kaewsan Atibhodi to lodge the complaint on its behalf.

"The actual complaint is expected to take place next week after finalising preparations," committee spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said.

The committee had no choice but to initiate legal proceedings against Pinthongta after she refused four times to comply with a summons, he said.

Under the graft law, a person convicted of refusing to testify can be jailed for up to six months and be fined up to Bt10,000.

A source said the committee might also charge the lawyers and aides who advised Pinthongta against cooperating with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the committee approved the Amnuay Tantara report to release Bt200 million in frozen funds held by the ThaiCom Foundation after establishing that Pinthongta donated the money in good faith and her funds had not been linked to ill-gotten gains.

It also ruled to freeze Bt87 million held in four bank accounts and linked to Thaksin's lawyer, Somporn Pongsuwan. The order was made on suspicion about the questionable routing in connection with another account worth Bt100 million. More than Bt95 million had been withdrawn right before it was frozen in July.

In regard to opposition to the appointment of the Nam Yimyaem panel to look into the purchase of fire-fighting vehicles, the committee backed the panel to carry out its job.

Former Bangkok governor Samak Sundaravej argued that Nam had a personal grudge against him in investigating his involvement in the deal.

- The Nation

[cclub75]

AEC asks police to charge Pinthongta

The Assets Examination Committee yesterday decided to file a police complaint against Pinthongta Shinawatra, daughter of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, for refusing to testify in the graft investigation into the sale of Shin Corp.

The committee authorised Kaewsan Atibhodi to lodge the complaint on its behalf.

"The actual complaint is expected to take place next week after finalising preparations," committee spokesman Sak Korsaengruang said

- The Nation

As you can see Sriracha... it doesn't look like a bad translation from TNA.

And you'll note too that the complaint is "expected to take place next week"...

The comedy shall continue. Long time. I stick to my opinion : this is all smoke and mirror, mixed with buffalo crap... Not a chance that Thaksin's children will be sent to jail.

[Old Man River]

I also highly doubt that any of Thaksin's children will be put in jail. In fact this whole thing may go away soon.

On a similar note, it has been found that PM General Suriyud had deeded over the Khao Yai land to his son 1 1/2 months after the coup. The PM then didn't report ownership on this land to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). Isn't this possible share concealment by the PM? Will his accounts be frozen? Did his kid buy the land or was it a gift? Are there taxes owed on this transaction?

We are soon going to see just how fair this government really is.

[Heng]

It's okay because the PM asked for the future Deputy PM's permission to make the transfer.

Edited October 16, 2007 by Heng

[Bagwan]

Future looking, if she is arrested and locked up, what will Thaksin do? Will he stay hiding in the UK or step up to the plate and be a man about it?

How at odds all this is to the tearful Thaksin appealing to the Press to leave his family alone since they had not done anything wrong.

[John K]

Future looking, if she is arrested and locked up, what will Thaksin do? Will he stay hiding in the UK or step up to the plate and be a man about it?

How at odds all this is to the tearful Thaksin appealing to the Press to leave his family alone since they had not done anything wrong.

Maybe I am missing your point or you are missing mine.

Normally a parent will rush to the side of their child if they were arrested for what the parent feels is bogus charges. If she is arrested before she leaves the country, the question is what has more importance to Thaksin money or his daughter.

Will he make a bunch of noise from the UK, or will he pay the tax, or will he rush to her side and be a man standing up for what he did.

Don’t think for one minute the world will not be watching this display of his true inner moral character. This could effect his status as owner of Manchester, as well as how the UK view him when it comes to extradition.

This will no doubt touch everyone who is a parent and they will instantly compare what Thaksin’s choice was verses what they would have done in the same situation.

[johnnyk]

Six months in the BKK Hilton with Matron Marge might jog her memory.

[hammered]

I also highly doubt that any of Thaksin's children will be put in jail. In fact this whole thing may go away soon.

On a similar note, it has been found that PM General Suriyud had deeded over the Khao Yai land to his son 1 1/2 months after the coup. The PM then didn't report ownership on this land to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). Isn't this possible share concealment by the PM? Will his accounts be frozen? Did his kid buy the land or was it a gift? Are there taxes owed on this transaction?

We are soon going to see just how fair this government really is.

Agreed it could all well go away soon. Gen. Surayud certainly looks politcally dead and under most circumstances one would expect him to be forced form office. However, these are not normal times and apart from a faction of the NLA it is unlikely anyone will force him into the corner where he has to go. PPP dont want to push it as they wouldnt get such an ineffective replacement. The rest of the politcal parties are scared that it would derail their return to power. No he'll hang on imho. Ater the election he could be in a tad of trouble unless he quickly returns to his previous post.

[Old Man River]

I also highly doubt that any of Thaksin's children will be put in jail. In fact this whole thing may go away soon.

On a similar note, it has been found that PM General Suriyud had deeded over the Khao Yai land to his son 1 1/2 months after the coup. The PM then didn't report ownership on this land to the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC). Isn't this possible share concealment by the PM? Will his accounts be frozen? Did his kid buy the land or was it a gift? Are there taxes owed on this transaction?

We are soon going to see just how fair this government really is.

Agreed it could all well go away soon. Gen. Surayud certainly looks politcally dead and under most circumstances one would expect him to be forced form office. However, these are not normal times and apart from a faction of the NLA it is unlikely anyone will force him into the corner where he has to go. PPP dont want to push it as they wouldnt get such an ineffective replacement. The rest of the politcal parties are scared that it would derail their return to power. No he'll hang on imho. Ater the election he could be in a tad of trouble unless he quickly returns to his previous post.

I was being factitious. He will definitely hang on and afterwards return to his former PC post. He is heir apparent to replace Gen. Prem as PC head when the time comes.

[Bagwan]

Agreed it could all well go away soon. Gen. Surayud certainly looks politcally dead

I was under the impression that he was physically dead! General Dobuggerall would be a suitable epithet.

If he is the best that Thailand could put in command of the Army then I suggest that the 5th East Cheam Boy Scout troop could take over the country in a week.

[Plus]

AEC doesn't care about Surayud, his fate won't have any effect on their figth with Shinawatras whatsoever. The only thing they need from the government is a possible extension of their term, and they would get it anyway unless PPP comes in power.

Arresting a former PMs daughter is not an easy thing to do, etiquette wise, but it seems they've run out of options. Thaksin's daughter in jail? That's huge. Public reaction is unpredictable and AEC needs to do some serious PR work ro face a backlash from Thaksin's supporters.

[sriracha john]

In another development, an ASC source said the panel would today file criminal charges against Mr Thaksin's eldest daughter, Pinthongta, for refusing to testify on the Shin Corp share transaction and on those who were behind the deal.

On Oct 9, Ms Pinthongta submitted a letter refusing to give a statement to the ASC's sub-panel investigating the Shin Corp deal with Singapore's Temasek Holdings. She had asked the ASC three times to postpone her testimony before she submitted the letter.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/31Oct2007_news09.php

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

*Bold and underlining mine.*

Edited October 31, 2007 by sriracha john

[Old Man River]

Arresting a former PMs daughter is not an easy thing to do, etiquette wise, but it seems they've run out of options. Thaksin's daughter in jail? That's huge. Public reaction is unpredictable and AEC needs to do some serious PR work ro face a backlash from Thaksin's supporters.

Her time in jail will be shorter than that of Nicole Richie (82 minutes). This case will be dropped soon after the election regardless of which parties make up the next coalition.