Tax officials innocent in Pojaman's share transfer case
The Appeals Court today affirmed the innocence of five Finance officials including former Revenue Department Director-General Sirote Sawasdipanich, charged of dereliction of duty and negligence for not taxing a share transfer by Khunying Pojaman Shinawat
Supporting the Criminal Court's decision on acquittal on Feb 26, 2009, the Appeals Court reasoned that evidence failed to show the five officials' intention in causing damage. The Criminal Court also found no deliberate intent to assist avoidance in tax payment.
The allegations originated from a share purchase in November 7, 1997, when Pojaman transferred 4.5 million shares of Shinawatra Computer and Communication Plc (now Shin Corp) worth Bt738 million to her half-brother, Bhanapot Damapong, as a wedding gift. The officials were charged of failing to properly tax the transfer which caused Bt270 million damage to the country.
Aside from Sirote, the other four officials were;
- Vichai Juengrakkiati, director of the State Enterprises Policy Committee Office, who was at the time director of the Legal Division
- Moreerat Boonyasiri, director of the Legal Division
- Kulruedee Saengsayan, senior legal official
- Suchinda Saengchompu, senior regional revenue official.
