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

[sriracha john]

Meanwhile, the AEC will meet today to determine whether Pojaman's brother Bhanapot Damapong should be taxed for the Shin Corp shares he received from his sister as a gift. Bhanapot might have to pay tax of more than Bt1.66 billion plus fines over the transaction.

- The Nation

[johnnyk]

Hitting their wallets is the best way to get their attention and what they most understand.

[backflip]

"Demanding payment" and "receiving payment" are two different things...

[sriracha john]

Hitting their wallets is the best way to get their attention and what they most understand.

I fear the fallout, however, as the entire Thailand beauty parlor business may come to crashing halt if Pan does not have suitable funds

Edited November 20, 2006 by sriracha john

[johnnyk]

And maids may lose their jobs...

[Plus]

Remember that lawyer in oversized suit? Today he is on the Nation's frontpage wearing oversized shirt.

And the story behind him shows that he is a real clown. He is an ex-Democrat who defected in - get this - MAY?!? After the Shin sale, after PAD demonstrations, after the botched elections, probably after the King's speech, too.

He was invited to TRT Yongyudh Tiyapairat, the guy involved with forest rangers mobs at the time.

He is Thaksin's legal advisor - "Noppadon said he believed he was selected for the job because of his political savvy, loyalty and tendency to keep secrets, as well as his legal expertise."

Tendency to keep secrets is certainly very important for Thaksin's legal team.

He hopes to charge Thaksin higher than his normal rate (4-12k an hour), but, "In fact, we haven't discussed this matter in detail, but I believe the former prime minister will pay an appropriate fee".

Not very savvy, is it?

I don't see him being taken seriously by generals, and if Thaksin doesn't pay on time, there won't be anymore press-conferences in posh hotels, too.

[Old Man River]

Bannapot may get big tax bill soon

Case against him to be wrapped up

Bannapot Damapong, the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could soon be billed for at least 546 million baht in back taxes as key figures of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) believe the case against him for alleged tax evasion could be wrapped up without the need for testimony, a source revealed yesterday. Mr Bannapot was alleged to have evaded paying tax for a 738-million-baht sum he received as a ''gift'' from his sister Khunying Potjaman, Mr Thaksin's wife, in 1997. The money was said to have been used to buy shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Wongpakdee, a maid of the Shinawatra family. The committee is also considering filing criminal charges against him for giving false statements in a bid to evade tax.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2006_news01.php

OK, Khunying Potjaman gifted THB 738 million to Khun Bannapot, who used the money to purchase shares of SHIN from the maid, Khun Duangta Wongpakdee, who was gifted the shares by the former PM. Does Khun Duangta still have the THB 738 million received from Khun Bannapot, or has Khun Duangta, in turn, gifted the money back to Khunying Potjaman? If not, and she no longer owns the money, where did it go? Could taxes also be owed on any other transactions?

[sriracha john]

Remember that lawyer in oversized suit? Today he is on the Nation's frontpage wearing oversized shirt.

And the story behind him shows that he is a real clown. He is an ex-Democrat who defected in - get this - MAY?!? After the Shin sale, after PAD demonstrations, after the botched elections, probably after the King's speech, too.

He was invited to TRT Yongyudh Tiyapairat, the guy involved with forest rangers mobs at the time.

He is Thaksin's legal advisor - "Noppadon said he believed he was selected for the job because of his political savvy, loyalty and tendency to keep secrets, as well as his legal expertise."

Tendency to keep secrets is certainly very important for Thaksin's legal team.

He hopes to charge Thaksin higher than his normal rate (4-12k an hour), but, "In fact, we haven't discussed this matter in detail, but I believe the former prime minister will pay an appropriate fee".

Not very savvy, is it?

I don't see him being taken seriously by generals, and if Thaksin doesn't pay on time, there won't be anymore press-conferences in posh hotels, too.

The Story of Goofy, Attorney-At-Law,

is exposed on this thread:

Defending Thaksin Is A 'once-in-a-lifetime' Job, Noppadon speaks out

Looking forward to the fashion icon's shirt selection...

[Jai Dee]

Shin sleuths return to shelves with red-hot sequel

After causing a sensation with "25 Questions Surrounding Shin Corp", the authors who go by the pen names Ma Nok and Dek Nok Krob are back with an update on the deal that sparked an outcry as well as allegations of criminal behaviour that have yet to lead to a single arrest.

"Shin Caught Red-Handed" (Shin Khanang Khakhao), published by Openbooks, is set to keep the controversy alive.

Offering new insight into the Shin Corp sale, it puts the focuses on a few crucial questions.

First, who represented the Shinawatra family in the negotiations to sell Shin Corp to Temasek Holdings?

The conglomerate's founder, ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has insisted he transferred all of his Shin stock to his children and had virtually nothing to do with the sale of the company to the investment arm of the Singaporean government. However, Thaksin's son Panthongtae once told an interviewer that the Shin sale was "a matter of phuyai" or senior people.

Thaksin subsequently elaborated by saying his children could have relied on their uncles for advice about the deal.

Shin chairman Boonklee Plangsiri has said the company's management was left in the dark as shareholders dealt directly with Temasek.

Leaders in Singapore have consistently maintained that Temasek conducted the deal in good faith and on purely commercial terms. However, the Singaporeans have not identified who they negotiated with when they bought Shin Corp for Bt73.3 billion from Panthongtae and Pinthongta Shinawatra, Bannapot Damapong (Thaksin's brother-in-law) and Yingluck Shinawatra (Thaksin's sister), in January this year.

Democrats Abhisit Vejjajiva and Korn Chatikavanij have been calling for Temasek to come clean by revealing the identities of the Shin representative they negotiated the takeover with. This would ease public suspicion that Temasek colluded with Thaksin and/or his wife, Khunying Pojaman, in illegal share concealment, the politicians have said.

The fact that Thaksin and his family spent a four-day holiday in Singapore about three weeks before the Shin deal was announced adds to the urgency around this question.

"Caught Red-Handed" also makes the case that the Securities and Exchange Commission has been a tardy watchdog. It has yet to do its utmost to investigate who the ultimate owners of Ample Rich and Win Mark are because it has not yet questioned brokers and custodians (Asset Plus and UBS) about two issues that have yet to be investigated.

In June 1999 Thaksin transferred 32.9 million shares, or about 10 per cent, of Shin Corp to Ample Rich Investment, which he incorporated in the British Virgins Islands. After a share split, the number of shares multiplied to 329 million. It remains unclear how he managed to transfer the Shin stock from his local brokerage account to Ample Rich Investment, which was capitalised at only US$1.

There were no records of a financial transaction. But in effect, the transfer represented a capital outflow because were Ample Rich Investment to sell the stocks, the money would be sent to its overseas account. When Thaksin declared his assets, as required by law, he treated the Ample Rich Investment very ambiguously. There was no record in his asset declaration that he earned Bt329.2 million from his sale of the Shin stock to Ample Rich. Neither is it clear where Ample Rich got Bt329.2 million to buy the stocks from Thaksin.

"Caught Red-Handed" concludes that it is possible a transaction never occurred.

Another troubling issue involves Win Mark Limited, which was also set up by Thaksin in the British Virgin Islands. On August 2, 2000, Thaksin and Khunying Pojaman transferred shares in OAI Property, SC Office Park, Wroth Supply, SCK Estate and PT Corporation to Win Mark for Bt1.5 billion.

Thaksin later told the National Counter Corruption Commission that Win Mark was a foreign company owned by someone else. Later, it was found that Win Mark had the same address in the British Virgin Islands as Ample Rich - PO Box 3151, Road Town, Tortola.

"Caught Red-Handed" also raises questions about the owners of Value Asset Fund, Overseas Growth Fund and Offshore Dynamic Fund, which were set up in the Malaysian tax haven Labuan Island. The three funds, which held SC Asset stock, shared the same address - L 1, Lot 7, Blk F, Saguking Commercial Building, Lalan Patau, 8700 Labuan Ft, Malaysia.

The book quotes Prasong Lertratanavisuth of Matichon newspaper saying that the Shinawatra family could own the three funds without declaring them as its assets. Once the funds sold their SC Asset stock they could move the money out of the country without trace.

"Caught Red-handed" calls for the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate Asset Plus, a local broker, over its role. Asset Plus must know the identities of the beneficiary owners of Overseas Growth Fund and Offshore Dynamic Fund, which were involved in the transactions.

The book also raises questions about the role of the Singapore office of UBS in allegedly concealing at least an additional 53.6 million Shin shares that belonged to the Shinawatra family.

Source: The Nation - 20 November 2006

[sriracha john]

Bannapot may get big tax bill soon

Case against him to be wrapped up

Bannapot Damapong, the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could soon be billed for at least 546 million baht in back taxes as key figures of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) believe the case against him for alleged tax evasion could be wrapped up without the need for testimony, a source revealed yesterday. Mr Bannapot was alleged to have evaded paying tax for a 738-million-baht sum he received as a ''gift'' from his sister Khunying Potjaman, Mr Thaksin's wife, in 1997. The money was said to have been used to buy shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Wongpakdee, a maid of the Shinawatra family. The committee is also considering filing criminal charges against him for giving false statements in a bid to evade tax.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2006_news01.php

OK, Khunying Potjaman gifted THB 738 million to Khun Bannapot, who used the money to purchase shares of SHIN from the maid, Khun Duangta Wongpakdee, who was gifted the shares by the former PM. Does Khun Duangta still have the THB 738 million received from Khun Bannapot, or has Khun Duangta, in turn, gifted the money back to Khunying Potjaman? If not, and she no longer owns the money, where did it go? Could taxes also be owed on any other transactions?

For some reason, I wouldn't be surprised if Khun Duangta used the 738 million baht to buy Shin shares, which she then gave to Khunying Potjaman, who in turn took the share stocks and sold them for cash which she then gave to her brother, who then gave the cash to Khun Duangta. She then gave the cash to Khunying Potjaman to complete the extremely-rare "double-full-cycle" as high-level fraudsters refer to this quite-difficult-to-achieve shell game.

*edit* somewhere along the line, Khunying Potjaman's cousin's barber fits into the scenario.

Edited November 20, 2006 by sriracha john

[Old Man River]

Bannapot may get big tax bill soon

Case against him to be wrapped up

Bannapot Damapong, the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could soon be billed for at least 546 million baht in back taxes as key figures of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) believe the case against him for alleged tax evasion could be wrapped up without the need for testimony, a source revealed yesterday. Mr Bannapot was alleged to have evaded paying tax for a 738-million-baht sum he received as a ''gift'' from his sister Khunying Potjaman, Mr Thaksin's wife, in 1997. The money was said to have been used to buy shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Wongpakdee, a maid of the Shinawatra family. The committee is also considering filing criminal charges against him for giving false statements in a bid to evade tax.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2006_news01.php

OK, Khunying Potjaman gifted THB 738 million to Khun Bannapot, who used the money to purchase shares of SHIN from the maid, Khun Duangta Wongpakdee, who was gifted the shares by the former PM. Does Khun Duangta still have the THB 738 million received from Khun Bannapot, or has Khun Duangta, in turn, gifted the money back to Khunying Potjaman? If not, and she no longer owns the money, where did it go? Could taxes also be owed on any other transactions?

For some reason, I wouldn't be surprised if Khun Duangta used the 738 million baht to buy Shin shares, which she then gave to Khunying Potjaman, who in turn took the share stocks and sold them for cash which she then gave to her brother, who then gave the cash to Khun Duangta. She then gave the cash to Khunying Potjaman to complete the extremely-rare "double-full-cycle" as high-level fraudsters refer to this quite-difficult-to-achieve shell game.

*edit* somewhere along the line, Khunying Potjaman's cousin's barber fits into the scenario.

Actually, it was a serious question, not meant as a joke. THB 738 million ++ is a lot of money to be forgotten. If it was round tripped to the Khunying, taxes would most probably be owed and the funds would have to show up on their financial statements. I doubt the maid was allowed to keep the money.

Was the THB 738 million ++ in cash ever accounted for?

[sriracha john]

Bannapot may get big tax bill soon

Case against him to be wrapped up

Bannapot Damapong, the brother-in-law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, could soon be billed for at least 546 million baht in back taxes as key figures of the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) believe the case against him for alleged tax evasion could be wrapped up without the need for testimony, a source revealed yesterday. Mr Bannapot was alleged to have evaded paying tax for a 738-million-baht sum he received as a ''gift'' from his sister Khunying Potjaman, Mr Thaksin's wife, in 1997. The money was said to have been used to buy shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Wongpakdee, a maid of the Shinawatra family. The committee is also considering filing criminal charges against him for giving false statements in a bid to evade tax.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/17Nov2006_news01.php

OK, Khunying Potjaman gifted THB 738 million to Khun Bannapot, who used the money to purchase shares of SHIN from the maid, Khun Duangta Wongpakdee, who was gifted the shares by the former PM. Does Khun Duangta still have the THB 738 million received from Khun Bannapot, or has Khun Duangta, in turn, gifted the money back to Khunying Potjaman? If not, and she no longer owns the money, where did it go? Could taxes also be owed on any other transactions?

For some reason, I wouldn't be surprised if Khun Duangta used the 738 million baht to buy Shin shares, which she then gave to Khunying Potjaman, who in turn took the share stocks and sold them for cash which she then gave to her brother, who then gave the cash to Khun Duangta. She then gave the cash to Khunying Potjaman to complete the extremely-rare "double-full-cycle" as high-level fraudsters refer to this quite-difficult-to-achieve shell game.

*edit* somewhere along the line, Khunying Potjaman's cousin's barber fits into the scenario.

Actually, it was a serious question, not meant as a joke. THB 738 million ++ is a lot of money to be forgotten. If it was round tripped to the Khunying, taxes would most probably be owed and the funds would have to show up on their financial statements. I doubt the maid was allowed to keep the money.

Was the THB 738 million ++ in cash ever accounted for?

I apologize if my post pointing out the absurdity of the Thaksin family shenanigans was misperceived... their financial hijinks are certainly no joke, and so to directly answer your question in a more serious manner, here's a different response this morning:

Thaksin's brother-in-law told to pay $15 million [546 million baht] tax

BANGKOK – Thailand's military-appointed graft investigators ordered Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's brother-in-law on Monday to pay almost $15 million in tax on a shares he bought with money from his sister, officials said.

The investigators ordered the Revenue Department to tax Bannapot Damapong on 4.5 million shares he bought from a Shinawatra maid with money given to him by Thaksin's wife Potjaman in 1997, they said.

The investigators ruled the deal, decreed tax-free at the time as a gift on a special occasion, was a handout by Potjaman to her brother, who was then chairman of what is now Shin Corp, and had to be taxed, they said.

'The panel agreed with its working committee's resolution today to order the Revenue Department to tax Mr. Bannapot,' Sak Korsaengruang, spokesman for the panel set up by the military which ousted Thaksin in a Sept. 19 coup, told reporters.

The panel was also considering criminal charges against Bannapong and his Potjaman for tax evation, he said.

Bannapot would face the highest tax rate of 37 percent of the value of the deal plus a fine, he said.

The tax and fine would amount to 546 million baht ($14.92 million), officials said.

- Reuters

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

[sriracha john]

and for the local perspective:

AEC RULING

Bhanapot must pay Bt546m extra tax

Panel rules that Thaksin's brother-in-law evaded tax over shares 'gifted' to him by Pojaman

The Assets Examination Committee (AEC) ruled yesterday that Bhanapot Damapong, a brother-in-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has to pay Bt546 million in additional tax for the shares valued at Bt738 million he bought in 1997 from a domestic helper of Thaksin's family.

Yesterday's meeting of the AEC resolved to ask the Revenue Department in writing to demand the additional tax, said Sak Korsaengruang, the panel's spokesman.

The committee also agreed that legal action should be taken against Bhanapot, brother of Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, for violating the Code of Revenue in failing to pay the large amount of tax, according to the spokesman.

A source in the AEC said Khunying Pojaman and the domestic helper, Duangta Wongphakdi, could also face legal action for colluding in the alleged tax evasion.

Sak and Viroj Laohaphan, who heads the AEC's subcommittee investigating the Shin Corp share sale, yesterday called a press conference after the committee's meeting, which lasted about four hours.

In 1997 Bhanapot bought 4.5 million Shin Corp shares from Duangta for Bt738 million through the stock exchange. Pojaman paid the money as well as the one per cent transaction fee on his behalf.

However, it was found that the cheque paid to Duangta was later deposited in a new bank account belonging to Pojaman, Viroj said yesterday.

Viroj also noted that Bhanapot once told the Constitution Court the shares were a gift from Pojaman. However, Viroj said that under Article 39 of the Code of Revenue, Bhanapot had to pay tax for the shares.

Viroj, a former director-general of the Revenue Department, said Bhanapot had consulted with the department, who told him he was exempted from tax because the share transfer was a gift.

However, the AEC concluded yesterday the value of the shares was too high to be considered a "gift" and that judging from her history, it was uncharacteristic for Pojaman to offer such a large amount as a present to her siblings, according to Viroj.

"The AEC will send the Revenue Department a letter asking it to demand additional tax within 30 days after the letter is received," he said.

Viroj said Bhanapot was liable to pay Bt273.06 million in unpaid tax, plus a fine of the same amount, and therefore had to pay a total of Bt546.12 million.

"If the Revenue Department is unable to collect the tax, they must explain why, or they will be deemed negligent under the Criminal Code. And if Bhanapot fails to pay tax, his assets could be seized," Viroj said.

He added however that Bhanapot could fight the case in a tax court.

Sak said yesterday that the AEC would set up a new subcommittee to examine and verify additional relevant documents in the case.

Viroj yesterday said much progress had been made in another case regarding alleged tax evasion by Thaksin's children, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, in their purchase of 329 million Shin Corp shares from Ample Rich Investment Ltd, the company they owned. The two later sold the shares to Singapore's Temasek Holding.

Viroj said that people were supplying the AEC with information regarding the case.

On Friday, the AEC said there was no evidence to prove that taxes were paid on the dividends earned by Ample Rich from Shin Corp.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Huge tax bill to be sent to Bannapot

The assets scrutiny committee yesterday agreed to ask the Revenue Department to order Bannapot Damapong, the step-brother of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Khunying Potjaman, to pay 546 million baht in tax on a 738-million-baht share transfer in 1997. The committee also decided that Mr Bannapot and others involved in the deal had committed criminal offences, so a sub-committee would be set up next week to look into the the possibility of filing criminal charges against them. Sources had said other suspects included Khunying Potjaman and the Shinawatra family's maid, Duangta Wongpakdi. Mr Viroj said the large sum Mr Bannapot received from his sister could not be regarded as a gift as claimed by the siblings and thus must be liable for tax. Mr Bannapot himself earlier confessed to the now-defunct Constitution Court that he did not pay for the shares, Mr Viroj added. On Nov 7, 1997, Mr Bannapot received 4.5 million shares in Shinawatra Communications and Computer Co from Ms Duangta, the Shinawatra family's maid, worth about 164 baht per share, said Mr Viroj. But his sister, Khunying Potjaman was found to have paid both the total share value of 738 million baht to Ms Duangta and a fee of 7.38 million baht to the Stock Exchange of Thailand for him, Mr Viroj added. Mr Bannapot's income was taxable under Article 39 of the Revenue Code, and he had to pay tax of 273 million baht by March 1998, said Mr Viroj. But he failed to do so and now will be forced to pay an additional fine of 273 million baht. The committee will send a letter to the Revenue Department, asking it to send a 546-million-baht tax bill to Mr Bannapot within 30 days. Sources earlier said Khunying Potjaman and her maid, Ms Duangta, were involved in the transfer of the shares. They were found to have broken Article 37 of the Revenue Code by lying to evade taxes, said Mr Sak. If found guilty, they could be jailed for up to seven years and fined up to 200,000 baht.

Continued here (with further details on the Thaksin's kiddies case):

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/21Nov2006_news01.php

[Old Man River]

In 1997 Bhanapot bought 4.5 million Shin Corp shares from Duangta for Bt738 million through the stock exchange. Pojaman paid the money as well as the one per cent transaction fee on his behalf.

However, it was found that the cheque paid to Duangta was later deposited in a new bank account belonging to Pojaman, Viroj said yesterday.

- The Nation

If Khun Bhanapot must pay back taxes and penalties for receiving the THB 738 million "gift" from Khunying Pojaman, then why doesn't Khunying Pojaman also have to pay back taxes and penalites on the THB 738 million "gift" she received from Khun Duangta?

[Jai Dee]

AEC asks Revenue Department to collect tax from Shin Corp's share distribution

The Asset Examination Committee (AEC) has asked the Revenue Department to collect tax from Mr. Bannapot Damapong (บรรณพจน์ ดามาพงษ์), the step-brother of Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra (คุณหญิงพจมาน ชินวัตร), following the Shin Corp’s share distribution estimated over 546 million baht.

In regards to the investigation on the share trading of Shin Corp and Computer and Communication Plc, the AEC Spokesman, Mr. Sak Korsaengruang (สัก กอแสงเรือง), revealed the progress on the investigation case against Mr Bannapot. The AEC and the subcommittee have agreed that the share distribution has violated Article 37 of the Revenue Code.

The committee will send a letter to the Revenue Department, asking it to send a 546-million-baht tax bill to Mr Bannapot within 30 days.

Mr. Viroj Laohapan, the AEC Chairman, added that the AEC meeting will consider the case as a criminal case. At the same time, Revenue Department officials conducting the tax exempt will be charged with malfeasance.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 November 2006

[sriracha john]

Not to be confused with the other corruptions she's being investigated for regarding the illegal land purchase and covered in a separate thread, Potjaman has her plate full with this one:

Potjaman: Might get fine, prison time

BP

Potjaman to face collusion charges

The assets scrutiny committee confirmed yesterday that Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra would be charged with lying about a 738-million-baht share transfer between her step-brother Bannapot Damapong and her maid Duangta Vongpakdi to avoid taxes. The confirmation by panel spokesman Sak Korsangruang about what awaits Khunying Potjaman follows his statement on Monday that Mr Bannapot and others involved in the case would be charged. Ms Duangta will also be charged with a crime, but the panel is considering making her a witness in the case, he said. ''The share transfer involved collusion to avoid paying taxes by giving false information to the Revenue Department,'' said Mr Sak. The panel on Monday said Mr Bannapot failed to pay 273 million baht in tax when he acquired 4.5 million shares of Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co worth 738 million baht from Ms Duangta in 1997. Khunying Potjaman paid for the transfer for her step-brother by cheque. Ms Duangta later transferred the money back into Khunying Potjaman's account. Mr Sak said Khunying Potjaman, Mr Bannapot and Ms Duangta violated Article 37 of the Revenue Code because the share transfer was a deceptive transaction to avoid paying taxes. If found guilty, they face up to seven years in prison and fines up to 200,000 baht. The panel will investigate the role in the case of Khunying Potjaman's secretary Karnchanapa Honghern and her husband Wanchai. They also could face criminal charges, said Mr Sak. Ms Karnchanapa prepared documents for the deal, while her husband acted as a broker on the stock exchange for Mr Bannapot.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/22Nov2006_news02.php

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

and just for a bit added irony, the above news comes on a rather interesting day for her:

Potjaman gives alms to monks on her birthday

Pojaman Shinawatra, the wife of deposed prime minister Thaksin, gave alms to nine monks at their Chan Song Lar residence Wednesday morning on the occasion of her birthday.

Their son, Pantongtae Shinawatra, joined the alms giving.

She allowed photographers to come inside the compound of the house to take photos for ten minutes without giving any interview.

She is scheduled to leave for Hong Kong in the afternoon to celebrate her birthday together with Thaksin, who will fly from Bali.

The Nation

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

Happy Birthday, Potjaman... have fun in Hong Kong with Thakky.... and we'll see you when you come back! There's some people that wish to speak to you further.

Bon Voyage....

and once again,

Happy Birthday!

[sriracha john]

awwww..... no luck with the Hong Kong birthday rendevous with hubby.... oh well, better late than never. Still, that's no reason not to invite your brother over for some birthday cake. He's sorry he got you all caught in something illegal... but then again, it was all done for you, Potjaman. Go on.... give him so cake, don't be selfish

Potjaman turns 52 without hubby at her side, flies to HK for reunion

Potjaman Shinawatra turned 52 yesterday without her husband, former prime minister Thaksin, at her side and with a criminal charge to fight. Khunying Potjaman marked her birthday by holding a religious merit-making ceremony in the morning at her residence off Charan Sanitwong road. Also present were two of her three children, Panthongtae and Paethongtan. Also missing from her birthday merit-making ceremony was her step-brother Bannapot Damapong, who until this year had always turned up. Her birthday came one day after the assets scrutiny committee officially confirmed that she will face a criminal charge over her alleged involvement in attempts to avoid taxes on the 738-million-baht share transaction made in 1997 between Mr Bannapot and Duangta Vongpakdi, a maid of Khunying Potjaman, both of whom will also be charged in the same case. If found guilty, the three could be given a seven-year jail term and fined up to 200,000 baht each.

Khunying Potjaman and Mr Thaksin will also face another case involving a land deal worth 772 million baht, which is being investigated by the assets scrutiny committee.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/23Nov2006_news03.php

[Jai Dee]

Ex-Thai premier in HK to celebrate wife's birthday

HONG KONG -- After a week vacationing on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, ousted Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned to Hong Kong to celebrate his wife's birthday with a shopping trip and romantic dinner, a newspaper reported Thursday.

Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman, were seen wining and dining at one of Hong Kong's most expensive restaurants late Wednesday, the Oriental Daily News reported. Thaksin had spent three days in Hong Kong before heading to Bali.

The couple enjoyed a candlelit dinner as a live band played love songs Thaksin dedicated to his wife, the report said. The Chinese-language newspaper also showed a photograph of the couple posing at a fashion store earlier Wednesday.

Thaksin planned to fly to Beijing to see some friends, the report said, but didn't give details of when he would leave or how long he planned to stay in Hong Kong.

Thaksin was ousted as Thai prime minister on September 19 in a coup and has been told by the military-installed government in Bangkok not return to until after national elections, which are expected to be held next October.

His lawyer, Nopadol Patama, earlier said Thaksin's travels around Asia are purely for "rest and recreation" and do not involve any political agenda.

Source: Associated Press - 23 November 2006

[sriracha john]

Looks like it will be back to the kids' turn to be under the spotlight again next week:

Pinthongta, Potjaman, Panthongtae....

Thaksin's adviser to hold press conference Sunday to argue tax avoidance charges

Noppadol Patthama, a legal adviser of former prime minister Thaksin Shianwatra, said he would hold a press conference on Sunday to dismiss the allegations that Thaksins' two children had avoided paying taxes for the sale of Shin Corp's shares.

Noppadol said the press conference would be held at the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at 10 am.

Noppadol said he called Thaksin two days to discuss the issue. He said Thaksin was now staying near Hong Kong.

The Nation

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

wonder what the fashion icon Noppadol will be wearing to the press conference... perhaps a XXXL polo shirt this time?

Edited November 24, 2006 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

and just in case ol' Bhanapot was hoping they'd forgotten about him... sorry, but no dice... now pay up.... Give the people of Thailand a HALF BILLION BAHT and I'm sure they'll call it even... or.... just do the seven years in prison and only pay 200 million baht of what you owe... how's that?

TAX EVASION

Bhanapot gets 30 days to pay up

Revenue Department told to collect Bt546 million from Thaksin's brother-in-law

The Revenue Department has been instructed to collect Bt546 million in unpaid tax and fines within 30 days from Bhanapot Damapong, brother-in-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the chairman of a tax-audit panel said yesterday.

"The department is obliged to follow its instructions immediately, and Bhanapot must pay his tax or risk the consequences," Viroj Laohaphan said, noting that the countdown for payment commenced yesterday.

Aside from meeting his tax obligations, Bhanapot, as well as Thaksin's wife Khunying Pojaman Shinawatra, may face a criminal inquiry relating to the unpaid tax, Viroj said.

Should this happen, the two will be required to testify in person and will not be allowed to have lawyers give a statement on their behalf, he said. * that's a nice touch *

Appointed by the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), Viroj has been charged with auditing tax liabilities incurred from the sale of Shin Corp by the Shinawatra and Damapong families.

The unpaid tax referred to above relates to a share transfer in November 1997.

According to the audit panel's report, Pojaman ordered her maid, Duangta Wongpakdee, to sell Bt738 million worth of Shin shares to Bhanapot. Duangta was a nominee.

Pojaman paid a Bt7.38-million fee to a stockbroker on Bhanapot's behalf.

The department initially ruled that the transaction was a family gift and exempt from tax.

However, the Viroj panel overruled this by pointing out that the transaction had taken place between Bhanapot and Duangta, who is not related to either family. It also stated that Bhanapot must pay income tax on money saved by having Pojaman pay his broker's fee.

The panel recommended the AEC launch another inquiry to determine whether Pojaman, Bhanapot and Duangta had committed any criminal offences through the transaction, which the panel said had been designed to evade tax.

If found guilty of tax evasion, the three could face a jail term of up to seven years and fines of up to Bt200,000.

The Nation

[sriracha john]

things are getting even more murky with Bhanapat's case... with leanings that "outside interference" was involved with the initial revenue ruling. The smelly, rancid aroma of Square Head seems to be eminating from just around the corner.

Even if it's not, something sure does stink:

TAX EVASION PROBE REVENUE OFFICIAL QUESTIONED

Witness in Bannapot case not cooperating

A key witness in an ongoing investigation into the Revenue Department's decision not to tax a monetary ''gift'' given to a brother-in-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in 1997, refused to answer questions yesterday, a source on the assets scrutiny committee said. The source said Chor-nant Petchpaisit, who appeared before a sub-committee investigating the case, refused to say if he had the final say on the advice the department gave to Bannapot Damapong in 1997, that a 738-million-baht share transfer he received from Mr Thaksin's wife, Khunying Potjaman, would be tax-free as it could be considered a gift. Mr Chor-nant also refused to say if there was any other person involved in the making of the decision. ''He did not answer any questions or give any comments on the case at all. ''The sub-panel didn't understand why a C-10 official like him would refuse to say anything that could help in his defence against allegations about his role in the controversial decision,'' said the source. Mr Chor-nant was the last witness in the case to appear before the sub-panel after Revenue Department official Benja Louischaroen confirmed on Wednesday that she had signed the letter of advice.The panel recently revealed that Mr Bannapot had received 4.5 million shares of Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Vongpakdi, a maid of Khunying Potjaman, worth 164 baht per share on Nov 7, 1997. Khunying Potjaman was found to have paid for both the total share value of 738 million baht to Ms Duangta and a fee of 7.38 million baht to the Stock Exchange of Thailand for Mr Banpot, her step-brother. However, Ms Duangta later transferred the money she received from the sale back to Khunying Potjaman. Viroj Laohapan, a committee member and head of the sub-panel, said a letter from the committee was submitted to the Revenue Department yesterday instructing it to send Mr Bannapot a tax bill. A taxable person like Mr Bannapot is required to pay within 30 days from the date of receiving a notice, he added.

Even more damaging information about Potjaman and explanations of the proceedings against Bannapot are

"Continued here":

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/25Nov2006_news02.php

[cclub75]

''The sub-panel didn't understand why a C-10 official like him would refuse to say anything that could help in his defence against allegations about his role in the controversial decision,'' said the source.

I love this kind of thai ingenuity...

The guy should be :

-dismissed

-and prosecuted right away.

he panel recently revealed that Mr Bannapot had received 4.5 million shares of Shinawatra Computer and Communications Co from Duangta Vongpakdi, a maid of Khunying Potjaman, worth 164 baht per share on Nov 7, 1997. Khunying Potjaman was found to have paid for both the total share value of 738 million baht to Ms Duangta and a fee of 7.38 million baht to the Stock Exchange of Thailand for Mr Banpot, her step-brother. However, Ms Duangta later transferred the money she received from the sale back to Khunying Potjaman.

Ah ah ah, the famous maid is back ! I'm wondering if she's the same than in 2001 (previous huge scandal of assets concealment). And where is the driver ?

Very simple : she's a nominee. Again.

Thaksin's family shoud be called "The Nominee family".

[johnnyk]

It must be so-o-o inconvenient for these people to be asked narky questions.

The last question anyone asked the unemployable retard of a son was, "How much is 2+2?"

No doubt he had a family retainer answer for him after 20 minutes of anxious cogitation.

Enjot it folks, its great theatre!

Edited November 25, 2006 by johnnyk

[sriracha john]

Noppadol Pattama

Thaksin's children set to contest tax evasion charge in court

BANGKOK - Faced with huge potential tax liabilities, the children of former Prime Minster Thaksin Shinawatra, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, have already consulted with a team of legal experts to represent them in court if they are charged with tax evasion.

They are willing to fight the charges all the way through Thailand's supreme court if necessary, Mr. Thaksin's legal counsel Noppadol Pattama said Sunday.

"Both of them are willing to cooperate with the Revenue Department (RD). They will travel to meet RD officials in person if requested," according to Mr. Noppadol. "It they are allowed, a team of representatives will be assigned to make an explanation."

Mr. Noppadol is now serving as spokesperson for the Shinawatra family in Bangkok.

To demonstrate their willingness to cooperate fully, Mr. Noppadol said, a team representing the beleaguered brother and sister went to meet RD officials late last week, although an appointment had already been fixed for Monday (November 27).

Panthongtae and Pinthongta are subject to questioning by the revenue authorities for their probable connection with the tax-free Bt73 billion (about US$2 billion) sell-off of Shin Corp shares to Singapore's Temasek Holdings and explanation on their acquirement of shares in Ample Rich Investment, an offshore Caribbean company, which was transferred from their father.

"There may be different opinions about legal issues, but we are ready to cooperate. The investigation has a long way to go, so it is too early to judge my clients. The legal battle may go up to the supreme court," Mr. Noppadol said. "No matter what decision the court makes, we will comply with it."

Mr. Thaksin's legal counsel also asked media to refrain from reporting that the Shinawatra family has hired "the country's leading lawyers".

"They are just knowledgeable expert lawyers," Mr. Noppadol said.

- MCOT

[sriracha john]

Additionally:

He {Noppadol} added Thaksin's brother-in-law Bhanapot Damapong would fight similar allegations to the Supreme Court.

It is claimed he evaded tax on the sale of 4.5 million Shinawatra Computer and Communications shares on November 7, 1997. The shares were worth Bt738 million.

Noppadol claimed the Revenue Department had not sought a retroactive tax payment of Bt546 million for the transaction.

Nevertheless, Bhanapot may pay the tax and then later appeal.

- The Nation

[Jai Dee]

NCCC says Shin-tax evasion case to be concluded next month

The Chairman of the National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC), Mr. Panthep Klanarong, believes that the malfeasance case alleging Revenue Department's permission to omit tax for the Shin Corp share sale will be concluded in the middle of next month.Mr. Panthep said the trade was made nine years ago between Mr. Bannapot Damapong, the step-brother of Khunying Potjaman Shinawatra, and her maid Duangta Vongpakdi.

As for other cases, each subcommittee is updating their investigations to the NCCC meeting continually. NCCC member Klanarong Chantik will also submit the names of a subcommittee who will investigate the case of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for illegally converting the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). However, the NCCC has not discussed this matter in detail yet.

Mr. Panthep has insisted that the NCCC is working in line with the Assets Examination Committee (AEC), and the NCCC is ready to submit any AEC’s requested information or document.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

AEC establishes sub-committee to prosecute 6 Shin Corp shareholders

The Assets Examination Committee is establishing a sub-committee to deliberate the criminal case of Mr. Bunpot Damapong (บรรพต ดามาพงษ์ ) and associates in his holding of ShinCorp stocks.

The spokesperson to the Assets Examination Committee, Mr. Sak Kosangruang (สัก กอแสงเรือง), made a statement after an AEC meeting that a sub-committee has been established to bring criminal charges against Mr. Banpot Damapong and associates, including Khunying Pojamarn Shinawatra, Ms. Duangtha Wongpakdee, and others. The Assets Examination Committee sub-committee will be composed of the AEC chairman, and 5 other legal experts. The sub-committee will present the criminal charges to the accused, who may be present in person or submit documents responding to the charges.

Once the sub-committee has reached a verdict, it will deliver its findings to the Assets Examination Committee, and if the charges have merit, then the case will enter the criminal justice system. Mr. Sak added that the AEC's 1 year time-frame was no obstacle, and if the case was not resolved, authorities would transfer it to relevant agencies to handle.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 November 2006

[sriracha john]

Bhanapot told to pay 546 Million Baht tax

The Revenue Department will ask Bhanapot Damapong to pay Bt546.2 million in tax in regard to the sale of Shinawatra Computer and Communications shares, a source said.

The Assets Examination Committee panel investigating the case summoned Revenue Department officials to ask about tax collection from Bhanapot, the brother of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's wife Pojaman.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Bannapot to get tax notification by Dec 11

The Revenue Department will notify Bannapot Damapong, brother-in-law of deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, by Dec 11 how much he must pay in back tax for a 1997 share transfer, a source close to the Assets Scrutiny Committee (ASC) said yesterday. The department assured the ASC yesterday that it would come up with an estimate of the total amount Mr Bannapot must pay and notify him by Dec 11, the source said. The department would then order Mr Bannapot, a step-brother of Mr Thaksin's wife Khunying Potjaman, to pay up within one week, the source added. The ASC on Nov 20 agreed to ask the Revenue Department to send Mr Bannapot a bill for 546 million baht in taxes and fines as he was found to have colluded in a tax evasion by hiding the real reason for the transfer of shares amounting to 738 million baht. On Monday, the ASC named Khunying Potjaman and four of her close aides as being involved in tax evasion. Under Article 37 of the Revenue Code, they could face a jail term of up to seven years each, and a fine of up to 200,000 baht each.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/30Nov2006_news11.php