People’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn today accused Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of failing to pay over 218.7 million baht in taxes related to shares worth approximately 4.44 billion baht, which were transferred to her by family members in 2016.
During the censure debate, Wiroj said the prime minister issued nine promissory notes to her family members—including her two siblings, her mother, her uncle, and an aunt—in return for the shares.
These notes outlined payment schedules and specified that no interest would be charged. He argued that this may constitute a concealed legal transaction.
He noted that under Thai law, individuals who purchase company shares are exempt from taxes on the transaction, but those who receive shares as a gift are required to pay income tax.
Wiroj questioned whether the prime minister actually purchased the shares, referencing a constitutional provision that mandates every Thai citizen to pay taxes if they earn taxable income.
“So how can Paetongtarn be qualified to be prime minister if she doesn’t pay income tax?” he asked, citing Section 160 of the Constitution, which states that a prime minister must be explicitly honest and uphold ethical standards.
While expressing pride in having a woman from the new generation lead the country, Wiroj said it would be unfortunate if the prime minister were perceived as lacking transparency in her administration.
He called on the prime minister to respond clearly to all the allegations, saying that doing so would benefit both her and her government.
As an opposition MP, Wiroj said he is proud to have a woman from the new generation as prime minister of Thailand, but that it would be a pity if the prime minister is seen as not being transparent in national administration.
He called on the prime minister to answer all the accusations against her which, he said, would be beneficial to herself and her government.
