A panel of nine judges of the Supreme Court has accepted for trial a case against former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and 20 other individuals and companies accused of corruption in government-to-government rice deals.
The case was filed by the Office of the Attorney General on March 17.
Thanarerk Nitiseranee, chairman of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions, said the panel of nine judges unanimously accepted the case for trial in a meeting on April 9.
The court has scheduled the first hearing for June 29 when the presence of all defendants is required.
Mr Thanarerk said the panel also voted for him to handle the case.
He said he did not feel the responsibility was a burden to him. The trial would be based on evidence and ensure justice to all concerned.
Sources said the 21 defendants can submit an application with collateral for bail between April 9 and June 29 for the court to consider.
The 21 are accused of violating the law relating to the submission of contract bids to state agencies and counter-corruption.
Key accused are Mr Boonsong, his former secretary Maj Veeravuth Watjanapukka and his former deputy Poom Sarapol. Each of them held political positions at the time.
Civil servants who also participated in the scheme are Manas Soiploy, former director-general of the Foreign Trade Department; Tikumporn Nartvorathat, former deputy director-general of the Foreign Trade Department; and Akarapong Chueykliang, former director of the Foreign Rice Trade Office.
The other accused are Somkid Euansupha, Ratanit Sojirakul, Lit Pojai, Ratana Sae-heng, Ruangwan Lertsalarak, Suthida Poldee, Aphichat Jansakulpon, Nimol Rakdee, Suthee Cheumthaisong, Sunee Jansakulpon, Krisana Suramon, Somyos Kunjak, Thanyaporn Jansakulporn, Siam Indica Co and Siralai Co.