Ex-Commerce Minister Boonsong Freed on Parole After 7 Years

[webfact]

Photo courtesy: Siam Rath

 

In a significant development today, Thailand's former Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom has been released on parole after serving seven years of a 10-year sentence. The release took place at a prison hospital in Bangkok, with Boonsong now heading back to his home province of Chiang Mai. However, freedom comes with conditions — he must wear an electronic monitoring (EM) ankle bracelet and remain under supervision for the next three years and five months.

 

Boonsong's jail term was the result of a high-profile misconduct case tied to a controversial rice subsidy scheme. This programme was linked to former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's administration, a time of considerable political upheaval in Thailand.

 

Despite the initial 48-year sentence meted out in 2017, his sentence was reduced to 10 years in 2021. The reduction followed a review of his involvement in the scandal, reportedly reducing his culpability in the misconduct.

 

The former minister's case is entwined with the broader political landscape of Thailand. He is widely regarded as a key ally of Yaowapa "Jay Dang" Wongsawat, sister to Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's former Prime Minister and the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party. This political connection underscores the persistent influence of the Shinawatra family in Thai politics.

 

The rice subsidy scheme Boonsong was embroiled in aimed to boost rice prices to benefit Thai farmers but ended up being plagued by corruption and inefficiency.

 

The scheme's failures resulted in massive losses, with significant financial implications that translated to approximately 154 billion Thai Baht in damages. The Shinawatra government, under Yingluck, faced severe backlash due to these economic missteps.

Interestingly, Boonsong's release comes amid speculation regarding the possible return of Yingluck Shinawatra to Thailand. She fled the country in 2017 to avoid a prison sentence related to the same subsidy programme.

 

Her brother, Thaksin, has hinted at Yingluck's return from self-imposed exile, possibly to coincide with the upcoming Songkran festival in April 2024. This potential return is likely to reignite political discourse in the country.

 

Additionally, attention now turns to Boonsong's deputy, Poom Sarapol, who was convicted under similar charges. Whether Poom will be extended the same parole privileges remains uncertain, but it signals ongoing discussions about justice and political accountability in Thailand, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Boonsong's parole highlights the enduring complexities of Thai political dynamics and corruption cases. It serves as a reminder of the long shadows cast by economic policies and political affiliations in shaping the country's contemporary narrative.

 

-- 2024-12-02

 

 

[Rampant Rabbit]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Her brother, Thaksin, has hinted at Yingluck's return from self-imposed exile, possibly to coincide with the upcoming Songkran festival in April 2024.

Thatll be a neat trick........he'll be telling us he can walk on water next!

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, Rampant Rabbit said:

Thatll be a neat trick........he'll be telling us he can walk on water next!

 

Ah, you'retalking about the year (2024) ?