Thaksin Shinawatra Ordered to Pay $542 Million in Taxes: A Chapter in Thailand's Political Drama

Thailand's Supreme Court has ordered former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to pay 17.6 billion baht in taxes from a 2006 share sale. The sale of Shin Corp shares to Singapore's Temasek raised concerns of conflict of interest and led to protests and his ousting.

In a dramatic turn of events, Thailand's Supreme Court has mandated that Thaksin Shinawatra, the country's former prime minister, settle 17.6 billion baht ($542.37 million) in taxes stemming from a controversial 2006 share sale. The decision revives the case that played a pivotal role in his ousting nearly two decades ago.

The sale involved shares of Shin Corp, a telecommunications giant founded by Thaksin, which were sold to Singapore's state investment firm, Temasek. This transaction sparked widespread protests in Bangkok over alleged conflicts of interest and tax evasion, culminating in Thaksin's removal from power in a military coup.

The recent court ruling is a significant setback for Thaksin, already serving a prison sentence for another case. His political legacy continues to be marred by legal challenges, as both his daughter and sister have faced legal woes affecting the Shinawatra family's political standing.

(With inputs from agencies.)