Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Thai Supreme Court Orders Ex-PM Thaksin to Pay $540 Million Tax Bill
Thailand's top court has told a former leader named Thaksin Shinawatra that he must pay a large amount of money in taxes.
This is for selling his phone company many years ago.
The court overturned a previous decision that said he didn't have to pay.
Thaksin is currently in jail because of corruption charges.
This tax issue was a big deal when he was prime minister and was part of why he was removed from power in a coup.
His daughter, who was recently the prime minister, also recently lost her job.
Thailand’s Supreme Court ordered jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to pay back taxes on his telecoms firm sale.
The court overruled an appeals court decision, ordering Thaksin to pay approximately $540 million.
Thaksin, currently in prison for corruption, was ousted in a 2006 coup amid corruption allegations.
The tax dispute is a longstanding issue that contributed to political unrest and Thaksin's removal.
Thaksin's daughter, Paetongtarn, was recently removed as prime minister over an ethics breach.
- Who
- Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
- What
- Ordered by the Supreme Court to pay back taxes on the sale of his telecoms firm, Shin Corp, overruling an appeals court decision.
- When
- Monday
- Where
- Thailand
- Why
- To settle a longstanding tax dispute related to the 2006 sale of Shin Corp, which was a central issue in the political rift and the coup that ousted him.
Thaksin's Supporters
Pro-military, Pro-royalty Elite
Tax dispute over Shin Corp sale
Thaksin's Supporters
The sale of Shin Corp was tax-exempt and Thaksin should not have to pay taxes on it.
Pro-military, Pro-royalty Elite
The sale of Shin Corp was not tax-exempt and Thaksin should pay the tax bill.
- Amount ordered to be paid
- 17.6 billion baht ($540 million)
- Year of the controversial sale of Shin Corp
- 2006
- Year of the coup that ousted Thaksin
- 2006
- Thaksin's current status
- Serving a prison sentence for corruption
- Thaksin's daughter's recent status
- Removed as prime minister over an ethics breach
- Buyer of Shin Corp
- Temasek Holdings (Singapore)