Previously, the Revenue Department had issued a tax summons calling on Thaksin’s children, Panthongtae and Pinthongta, to pay tax arising from getting millions of Shin Corp shares below market prices in 2006.

But the Central Tax Court in 2010 ruled in favour with Thaksin’s children, saying that the financial assets belonged to Thaksin.

The Tax Court then referred to the ruling by the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders to seize Bt46 billion in assets from Thaksin.

Based on the two courts’ verdicts, the Revenue Department claims the tax summons for this tax case had been issued within the five-year limit.

The department said this meant it could make a tax assessment and demand Thaksin pay taxes.

A tax assessment made within the 10-year limit, or before March 31, is considered in line with the statute of limitations under the Revenue Code, according to the source. The tax assessment is expected to be about Bt12-13 billion.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, or Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, will hold the press conference today after the Cabinet meeting to clarify the issue.