Recent official information from Thailand says the Supreme Court has ruled that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must pay back taxes relating to a business transaction years ago, totaling approximately 3.855 billion yuan. The relevant authorities have formally begun collection proceedings, drawing considerable attention at home and abroad.
The tax dispute stems from Thaksin's 2006 sale of shares in the telecommunications group he founded, which prompted allegations of conflicts of interest and failure to declare taxes as required. The matter provoked a strong domestic reaction and became a major controversy in his political career. Thaksin was removed from office in a coup later that year.
Thaksin is currently serving a prison sentence, and observers see the new court order as another major source of pressure on him. As collection proceedings advance, the case is expected to remain a focus of Thai politics.
Compiled by this station
