Suriyan Hongvilai, spokesperson for the Thai Supreme Court, announced on 17/11 that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must comply with the order to pay taxes related to his past sale of telecommunications company Shin Corp.

While spokesperson Suriyan did not specify the exact amount Thaksin must pay, Thai media reported the court ordered him to pay 17.6 billion baht (approximately 540 million USD) in taxes and penalties.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok on 9/9. Photo: AFP.

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok on 9/9. Photo: AFP.

In 2006, Thaksin faced corruption allegations and controversy for selling shares in Shin Corp without paying taxes. That same year, a coup overthrew the former Thai prime minister, and he lived in exile for over a decade. In 2017, Thailand's tax agency assessed the amount Thaksin owed at 500 million USD.

Thaksin, 76 years old, is serving a one-year sentence at Klong Prem prison in Bangkok, one of Thailand's strictest detention facilities. He was transferred to the prison's medical treatment area due to age and chronic illness.

By Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)