Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra arrived at the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning for the opening hearing of the dereliction-of-duty case regarding her government’s rice-pledging scheme.
Ms Yingluck, accompanied by her husband Anusorn Amornchat, arrived at the court at 8.45am on Tuesday.
She was warmly received by many supporters and former Pheu Thai MPs who showed up to give her moral support and encouragement. Among the ex-politicians were Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan, Nattawut Saikuar, Prompong Nopparit, Khattiya Sawasdipol, and Surapong Tovichakchaikul.
On Monday, Surasak Trirattrakul, inquiry director of the Office of the Attorney General, said the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions ordered Ms Yingluck to appear at 9.30am to hear the charges and enter her plea.
She was expected to plead not guilty before the court.
The former prime minister is charged with dereliction of duty and abuse of authority in failing to stop graft and losses in the rice scheme according to Section 157 of the Criminal Code and Section 123/1 of the 1999 Counter Corruption Act.
The losses estimated at more than 500 billion baht were incurred when her government bought rice from farmers at above-market prices but failed to resell much of it.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission accused Ms Yingluck of using the rice-pledging scheme to gain votes from farmers and win the national general election in 2011.