World

Thaksin wife convicted of tax fraud

by rahul | July 30, 2008 at 08:44 pm

166 views | 4 Recommendations | 2 comments

In reaction to the conviction, Thai former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra said case was fabricated. His wife was sentenced to 2three years in prison on Thursday for failing to pay $16m in tax connected to the family's telecommunications business... She was released on bail pending an appeal".

Thaksin wife convicted of tax fraud

A court in Thailand has found the wife of the country's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, guilty of tax fraud. Potjaman Shinawatra was sentenced to three years in prison on Thursday for failing to pay $16m in tax connected to the family's telecommunications business.

She was released on bail pending an appeal - as were her brother and secretary who were also convicted in the case. Three hundred police had been placed on duty around the courthouse in Bangkok to prevent trouble between Thaksin supporters and opponents.

The conviction comes after Thailand's supreme court accepted another lawsuit against the former prime minister, alleging that he gave illegal soft loans to Myanmar to benefit his telecoms firm. Thaksin's lawyers have denied all charges, claiming they are attempts by his political opponents to discredit him.

Related story: Thaksin goes on trial in Thailand

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Caoimhin1

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 01:26 on July 31st, 2008

rahul, I like this story. It's good stuff.

gerrypopplestone

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 03:26 on July 31st, 2008

rahul, I like this story. It's the start of some proper justice at last! The Junta didn't have the bottle to pursue Thaksin seriously. I keep thinking the whole family will eventually get let off! There is a huge amount of support for the family in the countryside.