Pojaman's appeal relies on attorney-general's decision
Attorney-General Julasing Wasantasing will have the final say on whether to seek a cancellation of the appellate verdict on the tax-evasion case involving Pojaman na Pombejra, ex-wife of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
"Public prosecutors have completed their review of the appellate verdict and are waiting for Julasing to finalise his decision," prosecution spokesman Thanapit Mulpruek said yesterday. He explained that Julasing had the mandate to either drop the case or take it to the Supreme Court, but did not say whether the prosecutors were for or against further litigation.
On August 24, the Appeals Court overturned the lower court's ruling involving three defendants in the case. The lower court had found all three defendants guilty, ruling that they were involved in a conspiracy to evade Bt500 million in tax liabilities related to a share transaction in 2000. The defendants - Pojaman, her brother Bannapot Damapong and her secretary Kanachanapa Honghern - were sentenced to three years in jail each, but granted bail pending review by the high court.
In the appellate decision, Pojaman and Kanchanapa were acquitted of all charges. Bannapot was convicted for tax offences before the high court cited his good standing in society as grounds for leniency to suspend his term. He still had to pay Bt100,000 in fines.
The defence sought and received bail for Bannapot pending final review by the Supreme Court.
Although the appellate decision was in favour of the defence, the chief justice of the Appeals Court publicly voiced his opposition, arguing that Bannapot's imprisonment should not have been suspended.
Under the judicial procedure, the defence and the prosecution would have to appeal to the Supreme Court within 30 days. However, the defence sought and received permission to extend the deadline to October 25. Defence lawyer Metha Thammawihan said he would argue for Bannapot's acquittal.
