Economy
Watchara Petthong Urges Revenue Department to Seize Thaksin Shinawatra’s Assets
Former Democrat MP Watchara Petthong has issued a third formal request to the Director-General of the Revenue Department, demanding the seizure of 17 billion baht in assets linked to Thaksin Shinawatra.
On August 20, 2026, Thai Post reported that Watchara Petthong, a former Democrat Party Member of Parliament, has submitted his third formal demand to the Director-General of the Revenue Department. Watchara is calling for the immediate seizure of 17 billion baht in assets allegedly owed by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Watchara has publicly warned that if the Revenue Department continues to delay or fails to act on this matter, he intends to file a formal complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). He cited Section 154 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the dereliction of duty by public officials, noting that the maximum penalty for such an offense could include life imprisonment.
For residents and expatriates in Thailand, this development highlights ongoing political tensions and the scrutiny surrounding high-profile legal cases involving former political leaders. While this situation is primarily a domestic administrative and legal matter, it underscores the persistent nature of political discourse in the country. At this stage, it remains to be confirmed how the Revenue Department will respond to this third request and whether the NACC will be involved in any subsequent proceedings. There is currently no indication of how this demand will impact broader government operations or the status of the assets in question.