In
cases of bankruptcy or liquidation directors have no special
liability for a company's debts unless personal injury was caused
to the company. In a case such as this, they would be liable
as indicated above. In contrast, the 1998 amendment to the Bankruptcy
Act states that directors who fail to cooperate with a bankruptcy
receiver or planner, fail to submit explanations required, or
fail to report false claims or make false statements will be
held criminally liable.
Criminal
Liability. A showing of intent or negligence must be found regarding
persons charged with a criminal act under Thai criminal law.
Once a court of law has established to the court's satisfaction
that a criminal act has been committed, then the burden of proof
shifts to the responsibility of the director to prove his innocence.
Failure to act, such as failure to file a required report or
a balance sheet will be dealt with by imposition of criminal
liability. Criminal liability regarding bad checks signed by
a director (including company checks) is commonly imposed. Directors
may also be criminally liable for false statements in any official
documents which they have signed on behalf of the company. Incidents
involving fire or accidents which cause serious injury have
sometimes resulted in the arrest of a director. This has been
done on the basis the the director's mismanagement has caused
the accident or injury. Statute provides discretionary power
to prosecute or settle out of court, although most cases are
dealt with at the lower level and settled out of court.
Indemnification
for civil liability is permissible, but indemnification for
criminal liability is void and unenforcable. If an act was ratified
or approved by a general meeting of shareholders, then a director
cannot be held liable. He is also relieved of liability in any
case where a shareholder has voted to ratify his act. On the
other hand he does remain liable to shareholders who did not
vote in his favor for six months.
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