Philip Morris Thailand (PMTL) and 11 company executives face tax evasion charges before the Criminal Court in a lawsuit that could result in jail terms and a fine of THB 80 billion (EUR 2 billion), the Bangkok Post said.

The suit stems from a long standing dispute between the cigarette maker and Thai officials over duty paid on cigarettes imported from the Philippines. The Office of the Attorney-General said tax estimated at THB 20 billion was avoided. A spokesman for PMTL reportedly said the charges were without merit.
Seven Thai and four foreign PMTL employees were named in the suit, the Post said. A hearing before the Criminal Court has been set for 25 April.