Bangkok--19 Jan--124 Communication Consultings
Philip Morris Thailand Limited (Thailand Branch) ("PMTL") today asserted that charges brought against the company by the Public Prosecutor regarding customs charges are meritless, unjust and in violation of Thailand's obligations to comply with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. The charges result from a Department of Special Investigations ("DSI") investigation that began almost ten years ago, and allege that PMTL under-declared import prices for cigarettes it imported from the Philippines between 2003 and 2007.
Mr. Troy Modlin, Branch Manager of PMTL, said: "PMTL has done nothing wrong. Not only are these charges wholly without merit and in violation of Thailand's obligations to comply with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, they also call into question Thailand's commitment to fairness, transparency and the rule of law. Prosecuting this case will also undermine Thailand's stated desire to revitalize its reputation in the international community as a market-based open economy that is investor friendly."
The decision of the former Attorney General, Mr. Julasingh Vasantasing, to charge PMTL and its current and former employees contradicts the non-prosecution order his own office made more than four years ago, as well as prior rulings of the Thai Customs Department, the Customs Board of Appeal, the Customs Post-Clearance Audit Bureau and the WTO.
PMTL has cooperated fully with all involved government agencies since the DSI launched its investigation in 2006. The company intends to vigorously defend itself against these meritless charges and demonstrate that it is in full compliance with Thai law and international standards of customs valuation.