Rice pledging scheme verdict draws near

[snoop1130]

Rice pledging scheme verdict draws near

 

 

July 21, 2017 marks an important point of a long-running rice pledging scheme case in which former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra is a defendant. 

 

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions set July 21 as the date for the final hearing of the defendant witnesses’ testimonies. Seven witnesses who will defend Ms Yingluck on this final hearing are former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, Amphon Kitti-amphon, Benja Louichareon, Atchaporn Charuchinda, Chanutpakorn Wongsrinil, Phuris Sornsarut, and assistant professor Kitti Limsakul.

 

On the final hearing, the court may or may not summon more witnesses to give testimonies. So far the court has summoned 14 state witnesses to testify against Ms Yingluck, and 42 defendant witness to defend her. If no more witnesses are summoned, the hearing session for witness will then be final.

 

Regarding Ms Yingluck’s verbal closing statement, Ms Yingluck’s lawyer told Thai PBS that she had formally notified the court that she would like to give verbal statement in closing the case.

 

Full Story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/rice-pledging-scheme-verdict-draws-near/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-7-20

[Pridilives]

Have verdict already 3 years before, just end of show trial draw near.

[ratcatcher]

I think if she goes to jail, the lid might come off this place, then again, maybe not, as Thais are too complacent.

[YetAnother]

watch all those paid 'volunteers' show up and protest BEFORE the verdict

[robblok]

46 minutes ago, ratcatcher said:

I think if she goes to jail, the lid might come off this place, then again, maybe not, as Thais are too complacent.

I don't expect any time in jail just a (big) fine. But even if she goes to jail I doubt the lid comes off. The army has things under control. 

[Pridilives]

1 hour ago, YetAnother said:

watch all those paid 'volunteers' show up and protest BEFORE the verdict

Not paid. The love is real. 555555 be jealous

[Pridilives]

30 minutes ago, robblok said:

I don't expect any time in jail just a (big) fine. But even if she goes to jail I doubt the lid comes off. The army has things under control. 

Army can't even control self. Rumour about cabinet reshuffle. Fight about king power tax concession.  And more. What can army do. Shoot more Thai. If they do all over for prayuth 

Edited July 20, 2017 by Pridilives

[webfact]

Yingluck faces final hearing

By THE NATION

 

File photo

 

Red-shirt leader’s jailing could deter ex-pm’s supporters from turning out in large numbers.

 

BANGKOK: -- JUST A DAY after a key party figure and red-shirt leader was sent to jail, former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra will today attend the last hearing at the Supreme Court for alleged negligence in her government’s controversial rice-pledging scheme – a case in which she could face a jail term.

 

At today’s hearing, the 17th in this case, the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Political Office Holders is also expected to announce the date for its judgement.

 

The political heat has turned up with Jatuporn Prompan, the top red-shirt leader and a key Pheu Thai politician, being sentenced by the Supreme Court yesterday to a one-year imprisonment in a libel case involving former premier Abhisit Vejjajiva.

 

However, observers viewed that yesterday’s verdict against Jatuporn could discourage Yingluck’s red-shirt supporters from showing up in a great number at today’s final hearing, as had been planned.

 

The court, today, will also rule on whether to grant a request by Yingluck to seek a Constitutional Court review on her case’s legal validity under the new Constitution, which came into effect in April.

 

In her last-ditch attempt to delay a high-court judgement, Yingluck pointed out in her petition that Article 235 of the new charter requires the court to base its consideration upon the inquiry file of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). She said that this contradicted the 1999 law on court procedures, which required the court to mainly rely on the report by the relevant NACC committee.

 

During the previous 16 court hearings into the rice-pledging case, a few hundreds of Yingluck supporters would usually show up at the court’s premises, but their number is expected to be higher today due to the significance of the final hearing, prompting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to urge supporters to abide by the law and respect the judicial branch.

 

In addition, General Chalermchai Sitthisart, the Army chief, brushed aside allegations that the military had dispatched personnel to monitor the movement of key Pheu Thai Party figures ahead of today’s court hearing.

 

Chakkawud Triwallop, a red-shirt leader in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, said he had received an annonymous call telling him to be low-profile in displaying moral support for the ex-premier so as to avoid worsening the political climate and economy.

 

Chalermchai said no special orders had been issued Army personnel concerning today’s final court hearing. He said Yingluck’s supporters had a right to show their moral support without breaking the law.

 

Chalernchai’s estimate was that there would be 300 to 500 people showing up at the high court premises today when Yingluck attends the hearing, adding police will be responsible for law enforcement during the session.

 

Deputy premier Wissanu Krea-ngam said Yingluck had a right to petition the Consti-tutional Court to review the court procedures in the rice-pledging case in which she has been charged with neglecting her duty as prime minister while implementing the scheme, resulting in corruption and huge loss of taxpayer money.

 

Wissanu said it was up to the high court to decide whether Yingluck’s petition would be forwarded to the Constitutional Court for a review as sought by the ex-premier under Article 5 of the new charter. A judicial review would lead to a further delay of the high court’s judgement.

 

Besides Yingluck, the former commerce and deputy commerce ministers of the Yingluck government are also facing similar criminal lawsuits pending in the Supreme Court.

 

In addition, Yingluck and former Cabinet members are also fighting civil liability lawsuits in which the government is demanding massive compensation for state losses in the rice-pledging scheme.

 

Meanwhile, Yuttapong Charassa-thien, a former deputy agriculture minister of the previous Yingluck government, yesterday led a group of media representatives to inspect the premises of Kanchana Feedmill Co in Ratchaburi province to verify the firm’s purchase of government-owned rice.

 

According to Yuttapong, the firm won a Commerce Ministry contract for 38,924 tonnes of rice which came from the previous government’s pledging scheme but that amount of rice was not present at the feedmill firm’s warehouses.

 

Yuttapong earlier asserted that the government had sold rice suitable for consumption to the feedmill industry at a very low price resulting in bigger losses for the rice-pledging scheme in order to justify its lawsuits against former premier Yingluck. An executive of Kanchana Feedmill said the firm had purchased 38,924 tonnes of rice from the Commerce Ministry and the rice was stored at other warehouses.

 

He said the rice had already been used in feedmill production.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30321335

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-21

[williamgeorgeallen]

doubt this will help with reconciliation. 30 billion thb might help line some pockets though.

[webfact]

Yingluck supporters turn out in large numbers

By The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of supporters of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra showed up at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division of Political Office Holders on Friday morning to give her moral support.

The former premier on Friday will attend the final court hearing in the case stemming from her government’s rice-pledging scheme. Yingluck has been accused of negligence in the management of the controversial scheme, and could face a jail term if found guilty.

 

Eight witnesses would testify before the court in the final hearing.

 

The court is expected to schedule the closing statement and when it would rule on the case.

 

 

Scores of police officers were deployed at the court premises due to the crowd turnout.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30321367

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-21

[NCC1701A]

I just booked a nice suite for us at the Four Seasons in Chiang Mai.

 

I used Agoda and got a good deal.

 

Non refundable so they had better kick her loose.

 

 

Edited July 21, 2017 by NCC1701A

[wirat69]

12 hours ago, Grubster said:

I would expect a quick pardon from the King. Probably not guilty anyway.

I want to throw your "grenade" back but your inflammatory post is probably seen by most as an inanity!

[webfact]

Huge crowd of supporters welcome Yingluck at court

By Kasamakorn Chanwanpen  
The Nation

 

 

BANGKOK: -- Hundreds of supporters gave a rapturous welcome to former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra as she entered the court building on Friday morning to attend the last day of the trial in the rice-pledging scheme case.

 

Key red-shirt and Pheu Thai figures were also present. Among them were Nuttawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Watana Muangsook, and Khattiya Sawasdipol. 

 

Although Yingluck did not arrive until 8.30am, supporters had been waiting for their beloved politician since 5am. Their numbers grew quickly from dozens to hundreds over the next three hours.

 

Several people told The Nation they were at the court for the first time, travelling from other provinces such as Ratchaburi, Chiang Mai, and Khon Kaen. They said they wanted to give Yingluck moral support ahead of this significant court appointment.

 

When the former premier appeared, she was quickly engulfed by the media and fans who offered her flowers, souvenirs and kind words. They also tried to reach out to her for a handshake and a hug.

 

Overwhelmed by the tremendous support, Yingluck was moved to tears as she greeted her supporters.

 

Those who could not get near her waved their hands and cried out loudly, telling the ex-premier they loved her and telling her to keep fighting.

 

It took more than half-an-hour for Yingluck to walk just 20 meters, to get past the supporters and enter the court building.

 

Yingluck has been accused of negligence in preventing corruption and irregularities in the controversial rice-pledging scheme. If found guilty, she could face a heavy fine and a jail term up to 10 years.

 

In the final hearing on Friday, eight defence witnesses will testify before closing statement and the final verdict would be given.

 

The court will also today rule on whether to grant a request by Yingluck to seek a Constitutional Court review on her case’s legal validity under the new Constitution, which came into effect in April.

 

In her last-ditch attempt to delay a high-court judgement, Yingluck pointed out in her petition that Article 235 of the new charter requires the court to base its consideration upon the inquiry file of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). She said that this contradicted the 1999 law on court procedures, which required the court to mainly rely on the report by the relevant NACC committee.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/politics/30321383

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-07-21

[Cuchulainn]

Hope she will be joining her puppet in the clink soon.

[Pridilives]

9 minutes ago, Cuchulainn said:

Hope she will be joining her puppet in the clink soon.

Careful what you wish. If yinluck go jail ptp win next election biggest landslide ever. This why I think yingluck not go jail. Army too scared

[Baerboxer]

16 hours ago, Pridilives said:

Have verdict already 3 years before, just end of show trial draw near.

 

Perhaps you can explain negligence.

 

If you appoint yourself to do something, to be the head of something and then simply don't bother doing it; despite being warned by some very credible sources of problems and actually say repeatedly that you and only you are in charge and that there are no problems - then how is that not negligence?

[Baerboxer]

15 hours ago, Pridilives said:

Not paid. The love is real. 555555 be jealous

 

You might be right - perhaps they're promised for pay but still waiting 5555!

[Baerboxer]

44 minutes ago, Pridilives said:

Careful what you wish. If yinluck go jail ptp win next election biggest landslide ever. This why I think yingluck not go jail. Army too scared

 

Jailing for negligence would be somewhat draconian; and she's never been imprisoned before.

 

A big fine, asset seizure and long ban; if found guilty.

 

 

[Pridilives]

Just now, Baerboxer said:

 

You might be right - perhaps they're promised for pay but still waiting 5555!

No need for pay. No more to say.

[Baerboxer]

15 minutes ago, Pridilives said:

No need for pay. No more to say.

 No pay - just give "expenses" 555!

[jaiyen]

They came to give her support !!  She never gave them anything but debts

[Pridilives]

Just now, jaiyen said:

They came to give her support !!  She never gave them anything but debts

If that true why they come.

[mark01]

I still love you ???

[Denim]

17 hours ago, Pridilives said:

Have verdict already 3 years before, just end of show trial draw near.

 

Yep. Guilty , big fine , suspended sentence ,  probable appeal , out of politics, job done..

 

Will the next member of the Shinawatra  clan  kindly step this way. Back stage , center stage, exit stage left and proceed to gallows.

[coulson]

If that true why they come.

I just came from Chaengwattana immigration. Passed by the supreme court this morning and back again in the afternoon.

A 'large crowd' is something of an exaggeration. Hundreds did turn out, but only if you included police and reporters.

[stephen tracy]

3 hours ago, Cuchulainn said:

Hope she will be joining her puppet in the clink soon.

Yep, then the current "government" can get on with the business of looting the public coffers for military equipment they will use to intimidate anyone for complaining about that. The mots ridiculous, farcical show trial ever. At the end of the day, these so-called military men (not one of whom has ever seen a battlefield) will not have the courage to put her away.  They lack the balls.

[Baerboxer]

42 minutes ago, stephen tracy said:

Yep, then the current "government" can get on with the business of looting the public coffers for military equipment they will use to intimidate anyone for complaining about that. The mots ridiculous, farcical show trial ever. At the end of the day, these so-called military men (not one of whom has ever seen a battlefield) will not have the courage to put her away.  They lack the balls.

 

Show trial?

 

So Stephen, can you please explain why you think she wasn't guilty of negligence as charged?

[Pridilives]

6 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

 

Show trial?

 

So Stephen, can you please explain why you think she wasn't guilty of negligence as charged?

Analysts say the action against Ms Yingluck is a means of attacking her family, particularly her brother Thaksin Shinawatra, the self-exiled plutocrat turned prime minister.

 

can you explain why financial time think it show trial?

[Juan B Tong]

Those who can verify their presence either by screen shot or selfie please notify our staff at the Northern bus terminal.

There you will be given a bus ticket taking you home or can join in our pickup convoy.  Do not forget to collect your B500 stipend.

Edited July 21, 2017 by Juan B Tong

[david555]

 Yingluck is scheduled to give closing arguments on August 1st and to hear the court’s ruling on August 25th.

Edited July 21, 2017 by david555