Thaksin fights US$504m tax claim, citing threat to personal safety

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra argued in court on Wednesday that his life is at risk if authorities seize his assets, including bullet-proof vehicles, as part of a $504 million tax dispute dating back to 2006. The Revenue Department had upheld a tax claim against Thaksin over the sale of his telecoms firm in 2006, which his lawyer estimated to be worth over 17 billion baht (US$504 million).

Thaksin, 77, claimed that the assets in question, including five cars, two of them bullet-proof, were crucial for his personal safety as he has faced four attempted assassinations while in office. He expressed concern that if his cars were taken, it could put his life at risk, questioning who would be held responsible. Thaksin also argued that he had already settled the tax bill for the tax-free sale of Shin Corp to Singapore's Temasek Holdings in 2006, a deal that generated a US$1.9 billion windfall for the Shinawatra family and sparked protests against his populist government.

The tax dispute, which prompted the Supreme Court's Tax Division to rule in Thaksin's favor in November last year, is scheduled to deliver its final ruling on November 16. The Shinawatra family has long been a thorn in the side of Thailand's pro-military, pro-royalty elite, and the clan's populist brand of politics has faced numerous legal and political setbacks over the past two decades.