The state of the cases against Thaksin
Less than a month after Yingluck Shinawatra, younger sister of fugitive former premier Thaksin, took the reins as Thailand's 28th prime minister on August 8, two cases against people closely related to the Shinawatra family have been dropped. Observers, h
The Appeals Court last week overturned the Criminal Court's tax-evasion jail verdict against Khunying Pojaman na Pombejra, Thaksin's ex-wife, citing "incomplete" evidence.
Tax claims against Thaksin and Pojaman's children, Pinthongta and Panthongtae, were also dropped earlier in August. Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala revealed that decision, referring to the Revenue Department's move not to appeal the verdict of the Central Tax Court in favour of Panthongtae and Pinthongta.
The court ruled they were not the real owners of the shares, so the department could not collect more than Bt11 billion in tax from them. Thaksin was the real owner of the shares.
However, many cases against Thaksin remain either in court or under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
THEY INCLUDE:
l Illegal issue of two- and three-digit lotteries
The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for political office holders has suspended the case, as former premier Thaksin Shinawatra is a fugitive. In 2009, former finance minister Warathep Ratanakorn, former permanent secretary of finance Somjainuk Engtrakul and former Government Lottery Office director Chaiwat Phasokphakdee were sentenced to two years' jail each, but were placed on two years probation. Other suspects, including some then-cabinet members, were found innocent.
l Abuse of power in approving an Exim Bank loan to Burma
Thaksin was alleged to have abused his power as the loan could benefit his family's business, Shin Corp. The Supreme Court's Criminal Division for political office holders has suspended the case because Thaksin is a fugitive.
l Illegal changing of telecommunication concession fees into excise tax
The change allegedly benefited Shin Corp and caused a Bt66-billion loss to the country.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission and the attorney-general are working together on the case.
l Case of terrorism against Thaksin
The Department of Special Investigation submitted the case linking Thaksin to red shirts charged with terrorism related to last year's political turmoil. The case is now before the Criminal Court.
l Malfeasance related to the CTX 9000 bomb scanner scandal
The National Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating the malfeasance case against Thaksin and some of his cabinet members involving alleged corruption in the devices for Suvarnabhumi Airport.
l Malfeasance by allowing a Krung Thai Bank loan approved for a private company
The Assets Examination Committee indicted Thaksin for alleged illegal approval of the bank's Bt9-billion loan to Krisda Mahanakorn while it was a non-performing loan. Thaksin's son Panthongtae was also indicted for accepting dirty money. The case is still with the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
While Thaksin is considered a fugitive from a two-year jail sentence in 2008 - relating to Pojaman's Ratchadaphisek land purchase, it remains to be seen how the remaining cases can proceed while Yingluck is head of the government.
