Court sets July 31to rule alleged tax evasion against Thaksin's wife

The court gave on Friday the prosecution and the defence 10 days to submit their closing statements. Metha Thammavihan, a defence lawyer, said the defendants' concluding statements had been prepared.

Pojaman, her brother and former president of Shin Corp Bhanapot Damapong and her secretary Kanjanapa Honghern are accused of colluding to evade paying tax of Bt546 million on the transfer of shares worth Bt738 million in Shinawatra Computer and Communication Plc. The defendants deny the charge, arguing that the shares were a gift from Pojaman to her brother.

The AttorneyGeneral's Office in March filed the case last year on the recommendation of the Assets Examination Committee (AEC).

The three defendants did not show up in court yesterday and their lawyers heard the court order on their behalf.

The court yesterday also read out the June 30 ruling by the Constitution Court that upheld the legitimacy of the AEC and rejected a petition claiming that the order by which it was formed was against the Constitution.