Somdet Chuang ‘may not be charged’ with tax evasion
The acting Supreme Patriarch is unlikely to be held responsible for tax evasion over the Mercedes-Benz that is registered in his name, an informed source disclosed yesterday.
The source said the Department of Special Investigation did not plan to press charges against Somdet Chuang, who has served as the top monk for the past few years.
According to the source, the DSI only plans to press charges against another monk, Phra Maha Satsanamunuee, who allegedly gave away the “illegal” Mercedes-Benz to Somdet Chuang.
“Phra Maha Satsanamunuee will be summoned to acknowledge the charges against him on August 16, the source said.
The charges are related to having in possession a vehicle on which tax has not been paid.
The DSI found that the vehicle was bought for Bt4million but its buyer failed to pay proper tax.
The Excise Department now estimates the owner’s tax liability for the vehicle at Bt6.86 million. The amount includes unpaid taxes, excise duty and fines.
The DSI will also look at starting criminal proceedings against persons involved in the illegal assembly and registration of the Mercedes-Benz car.
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