PM pivots to tax
Re: "Opposition goes on offensive", (BP, March 25).
Prior to becoming PM, Paetongtarn Shinawatra had to divorce herself from having control over any companies, to comply with our constitution.
Her tax scheme was likely to have been professionally advised to "sell" her holdings to family members instead of giving them to her kin for free, which would make them subject to gift taxes. The scheme was cleverly investigated by the People's Party (PP). It was simply based on Ms Paetongtarn's public declaration of her assets and debts prior to the day she assumed the role of premier.
The findings were presented by the opposition party's deputy leader, Khun Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, in parliament as "I accuse". He maintained the scheme was a case of "tax avoidance" and occasionally referred to it as "tax evasion" during the censure debate.
Mr Wiroj also stressed that any scheme to deceptively dodge taxes is a crime. The judgement would be based on substance or in form. Unfortunately for some, the public tends to prefer the former, especially when the standard of governance of our political leader is involved.
After watching Mr Wiroj's presentation, which lasted 40 minutes, I was taken aback by Ms Paetongtarn's statement that, despite her young age, she pays more tax than many other people. However this is to be expected as she is not only the premier but also the daughter of a multi-billionaire. In contrast, list-MP Wiroj is the son of a Thai-Chinese family that sells used goods. He struggled to gain a doctorate degree while also juggling his responsibilities as an MP and deputy leader of the PP. Chinese people are traditionally taught to be humble. In using wealth to beat logic, this feels like a punch below the belt rather than commendable sporting behaviour.
