Former Thai PM declares innocence in rice subsidy scheme

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her innocence on August 1 at the Supreme Court over allegations of mishandling a multibillion dollar rice subsidy scheme.

Tuesday, August 01, 2017 15:52

Former Thai PM declares innocence in rice subsidy scheme ảnh 1

Thailand’s former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in front of the Supreme Court on August 1 (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – Thailand’s formerPrime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared her innocence on August 1 at theSupreme Court over allegations of mishandling a multibillion dollar ricesubsidy scheme.

The former PM said the rice subsidy scheme benefittedThai farmers and it did not violate the country’s law.

More than 1,000 of her supporters gathered atthe court and Thai police deployed over 300 officers to maintain order and securityfor the trial.

Under Thailand’s new law, Yingluck ispermitted to lodge an appeal without submitting new evidence. The Supreme Courtis scheduled to return a verdict on August 25.

[Former Thai PM faces new legal troubles]

In a related move, Thailand’s authorisedagencies have frozen all assets belonging to the former PM.

The rice scheme was a flagship policy ofYingluck’s election campaign with the Pheu Thai party, which helped her win the2011 general election. The scheme offered to buy rice from farmers at a doubleof market price then keep in store houses nationwide.-VNA

VNA

#Thailand #Thai former PM #Yingluck Sinawatra #rice subsidy scheme #election campaign #Pheu Thai party #vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency

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