Post by : Rameen Ariff

Thailand’s Supreme Court has mandated that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra pay back taxes stemming from the sale of his telecom enterprise, Shin Corp. This ruling, announced on November 17, 2025, overturned a previous appellate decision and directs Thaksin to adhere to the Revenue Department’s directive. Reports indicate that his total tax obligation, including penalties, could reach approximately 17.6 billion baht (around US$540 million).

The controversy began in 2006 when Thaksin was criticized for selling Shin Corp shares tax-free to Singapore’s Temasek Holdings. The sale generated approximately US$1.9 billion for the Shinawatra family, fueling extensive political protests and claims of corruption. That same year, Thaksin was ousted via a military coup and spent over a decade in exile. He returned to Thailand recently and is now serving a prison sentence for corruption related to his time as prime minister.

Court spokesperson Suriyan Hongvilai indicated that the ruling reinstates the Revenue Department's tax payment demand but did not elaborate on the court's reasoning. The verdict brings to light a prolonged political dispute in Thailand between Thaksin and the military-affiliated establishment, which has consistently resisted his populist political sway.

The Shinawatra family continues to be a major political entity in Thailand, with Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, having been politically active until her recent expulsion as prime minister in August 2025 over ethics issues. Analysts suggest that the Supreme Court's ruling has the potential to deepen the rift between Thaksin's supporters and detractors, representing broader conflicts between Thailand’s populist factions and the pro-military elite.

This tax case is critical not just financially for Thaksin but also as a symbol of the ongoing consequences of political and legal battles on governance in Thailand, alongside the enduring influence of the Shinawatra family on the nation’s political framework.

#Asia News #Global