Phuket
Boat seized for dodging import tax

AO CHALONG: Phuket Marine Police and the Economic Crime Investigation Division seized a boat on Saturday following allegations that it had been imported illegally into the country to avoid paying import taxes. The seized boat, a 25-meter wooden yacht named “Anusara”, was estimated by the Marine Police to have a market value of around 16 million baht. According to its registration papers, “Anusara” belongs to a Thai company called Leewards. The boat is registered for commercial use for giving tours. The police checked with the Harbor Master and found that records there list “Anusara” as being built in Thailand. Upon further investigation, however, the police found evidence that the boat had been built in Indonesia, and that the registration papers may have have been forged to make it appear as though it had been built in Thailand. On board the boat, police found a German national who is a shareholder in the company. As he was not registered as the owner, police did not arrest him, but they told him to inform the company to bring papers proving the boat’s origins to the Economic Crimes Investigation Division in Bangkok. The boat, in the meantime, will be docked at Rattanachai Boatyard in Koh Sirey. Pol Lt Col Thawat Pinprayong of the Phuket Marine Police said that there is a group of businessmen, both Thais and foreigners, who have been bringing boats into the country illegally and avoiding paying taxes by getting forged registration papers. They then use these boats in tour businesses. Since October 2000, the Phuket Marine Police have seized 19 boats, and say that they are currently investigating “many other boats” suspected to have forged documents in order to avoid tax.
Get more from The Thaiger
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
- Best of4 days ago
Siam Paragon wins the Best Luxury Shopping Mall 2022 Award
- Education2 days ago
Why you should study Thai to explore Thailand
- Bangkok4 days ago
Thai woman fined 54,000 baht at airport after entering country with designer brands
- Events3 days ago
“Eat Out with Marriott Bonvoy”: enjoy food discounts all the way
- Press Room1 day ago
Thailand Covid insurance for Thailand Pass
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Changes to Thailand’s Covid-19 restrictions to take effect June 1
- 360 Reviews4 days ago
The best private villas to rent in Bangkok for 2022
- Coronavirus (Covid-19)4 days ago
Deadline to apply for “Covid” visa extension extended by 2 months
You must be logged in to post a comment Login