Monk denies evading tax in relation to senior monk’s Benz case
A monk has come forward to officially fight tax-evasion charges related to a Mercedes-Benz that was given to acting Supreme Patriarch Somdet Chuang.
Phra Maha Satsanamunee yesterday appeared at the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) offices to acknowledge the charges but denied any wrongdoing.
The Mercedes-Benz is at the centre of a notorious scandal because Somdet Chuang, who enjoys strong support among some members of the clergy, is the only registered owner of the vehicle.
The acting Supreme Patriarch’s legal team maintains that he is innocent because the vehicle was given to him by Phra Maha Satsanamunee.
Based on a statement, Phra Maha Satsanamunee was charged yesterday with violating excise laws in the acquisition of the luxury vehicle.
A source at the DSI said the monk denied any wrongdoing and had scheduled another meeting with the DSI on September 27.
“He promises to bring along related documents,” the source added.
The Mercedes-Benz owned by Somdet Chuang is not the only vehicles under scrutiny. Another source at the DSI said the Customs Department had already assessed unpaid taxes on at least eight other Mercedes-Benz cars.
“The DSI has also started checking some Porsche and Rolls-Royce vehicles to determine if there has been tax evasion in their purchases,” it added.