Picture this: A lively scene unfolds as a visitor eagerly poses with cardboard cutouts of Thailand’s political heavyweights—Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former prime ministers Yingluck and Thaksin Shinawatra. The setting? The launch of an exciting new community development project in the bustling province of Nonthaburi just last month, captured thrillingly by none other than the talented Chanat Katanyu.
Amidst the media buzz, the governing Pheu Thai Party, champion of the people, has leapt to the forefront in defense of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. You might be wondering why. Well, it stems from a rather hefty court order instructing her to cough up an eye-watering 10 billion baht. Yes, you read that right! It’s all tied to the infamous rice-pledging scheme, a saga from over a decade ago that’s still making waves today.
Danuporn Punnakanta, the Pheu Thai Party’s authoritative spokesperson and Member of Parliament, stood at a podium during a buzzing press conference. With poise and conviction, he declared the party’s unwavering respect for the Supreme Administrative Court’s decision. But, he added with a gleam of determination, they weren’t about to throw in the towel. No sir. The legal team was on a mission to navigate every possible legal avenue to challenge this ruling.
The court’s formidable ruling from last Thursday echoed a compelling argument from the Finance Ministry. But wait—it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Yingluck. The enormous compensation demanded was brought down from a staggering 35.7 billion baht, settling at 10 billion baht. Not exactly pocket change, but a definite relief.
Danuporn empathized deeply with Yingluck, painting the picture of a political game where she was the pawn. The rice-pledging scheme’s fiery controversies were wielded like swords in the chaotic aftermath of the 2014 military coup. “Since the decision came out, we’ve been relentless,” Danuporn announced, the fire in his eyes barely contained. “Our top-notch legal experts and senior party officials have reviewed this case inside out. We believe there’s more fight left in us yet!”
One particularly intriguing legal maneuver on their part? Citing Section 75 of the Administrative Court and Procedures Act, which dramatically allows for the brandishing of new evidence within a 90-day window post-ruling. Now, what’s this new twist? How about the sale of a whopping 18.9 million tonnes of rice leftover from the scheme—new intel that could potentially turn the tables?
This was no ordinary sale. Orchestrated just last year, it was under the shrewd watch of the seasoned Pheu Thai veteran, Phumtham Wechayachai, who was turning the cogs of commerce then. Danuporn added with zeal, “None of this was considered during the trial! The facts were in, and the dust had settled, unexplored.”
Raising his critique another notch, he called out the anti-corruption investigation as something brewed under a military regime’s shadows—where orders sprang from Section 44 of the transitional constitution like specters in the night.
Meanwhile, across town, the valiant leader of the Thai Pakdee Party, Warong Dechgitvigrom, wasn’t about to let this go without a say. A staunch critic of the rice-pledging scheme while serving as a Democrat MP, he was in no mood to see Yingluck portrayed as a wronged heroine. An outspoken voice on social media, Dr. Warong mused about the plot’s ironic twist: under the scheme, the domestic rice prices skyrocketed. Why? Monopoly tactics, he claimed, right at the government’s doorstep.
The court’s verdict unwrapped scandalous truths, throwing light on bogus government deals that flogged rice at suspiciously low prices to companies with cozy ties to the Pheu Thai Party. Four contracts, a shady transaction under Yingluck’s helm, amassed a staggering loss of about 20 billion baht. Despite warnings, Yingluck defended her mission—a rice revolution turned governmental debacle.
Slated to crumble after a no-confidence motion in November 2012, the scheme remarkably held its ground. Dr. Warong, with an air of resolute clarity, pointed to an anti-graft letter from April 2012 that warned of the scheme’s sky-high pricing above market rates and the spiking costs. Ending his tale with a provocative question, Warong challenged, “Is it really Yingluck who’s been denied justice, or is it the taxpayers who found themselves footing this colossal bill?”
I can’t believe Yingluck is still dealing with this rice scheme scandal. Pheu Thai seems so determined to defend her. Do they really think she’s innocent?
It’s so obvious she was just a pawn in this political mess. Why shouldn’t they defend her? It’s not like she pocketed the money personally!
Pawn or not, she still has to face the consequences of her leadership decisions. It’s a hefty price, but that’s politics for you.
Maybe she didn’t pocket the money herself, but the scheme surely was mishandled. Taxpayers shouldn’t be left to clean up this mess!
Honestly, using Section 75 to introduce new evidence seems like a desperate move. Is there really any new information that can change the ruling?
Actually, the sale of that 18.9 million tonnes of rice is a big deal. If it was ignored at trial, it could legitimately change things.
Let’s be real. They’re just trying to prolong the process. The court had enough time to review all evidence properly before.
Dr. Warong’s point about the inflated rice prices is interesting. Wasn’t that intentional to benefit the farmers and support the local economy?
Yeah, supporting farmers is one thing, but at what cost? Plus, it’s suspicious how those companies got all the benefit through shady deals.
Agreed, Praewa. Helping farmers doesn’t justify economic mismanagement to this scale. Those deals hurt everyone else.
Warong sees the conspiracy everywhere! The scheme’s failure was just incompetence, not a plot against the taxpayers!
Couldn’t agree more, Chai! It’s always easier to blame corruption than to admit failure and improve management.
Funny how Pheu Thai calls for justice when they benefit but sidestep accountability otherwise. Makes you wonder about their motives.
In such a complicated political climate, it’s hard to know whom to trust. But it feels like everyone is playing their own game.
Dr. Warong has been a voice of reason this whole time. His critique makes sense when you put everything into context.
Politics aside, how long will this legal battle continue? It’s exhausting to keep up with at this point.
Is it normal for a politician to still be getting this much media attention over 10 years later? It feels overblown to me.
When you involve billions of baht, attention tends to linger… that’s probably why it’s still in the news.
The irony of having cardboard cutouts for a project launch amidst this mess is just poetic. Talk about distraction tactics!
It’s like they are trying too hard to refocus people’s attention. It feels superficial to me.
I wonder if this whole ordeal will influence the 2024 elections in favor of Pheu Thai or turn voters against them.
Even if Pheu Thai’s strategy is sound, it’s hard imagining them overcoming such a scandal. It tarnishes their credibility.
I still think Yingluck deserves a fair chance. If new evidence exists, it should be heard. This is crucial.