BANGKOK, Jan 9 — The impeachment motion against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra filed by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) over her role in the controversial rice-pledging scheme was set in motion this morning.
NACC member Vicha Mahakhun said that even though Ms Yingluck no longer holds the post, the interim constitution still allows the National Legislative Assembly to go ahead with impeachment process.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha earlier said the rice-pledging scheme sponsored by the former government incurred losses of about Bt680 billion even after the remaining 17 million tonnes of rice in the government stockpile were sold.
Gen Prayut said that legal action, both criminal and civil, would be taken and compensation for damages would be sought.
Ms Yingluck, who was also chairwoman of the National Rice Policy Committee when she was prime minister, was accompanied by her lawyers and members of her Pheu Thai Party to the parliament to face impeachment for alleged dereliction of duty.
She briefly told journalists before attending the session that she was confident and prepared to defend charges and asked the people to follow her when she defends herself.
Security around the parliament building is extremely tight.
Journalists covering the event were no exception as they were told by police to stay in the area reserved for the press.
Despite the tight security, many of Ms Yingluck’s supporters turned up and presented flowers to her.
Defence Minister/Army chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr told journalists before departing for the southern province of Pattani that the charges leveled against Miss Yingluck must proceed in accordance with the law and righteousness.
Both military police personnel provided security, said Gen Udomdej. He said he believed no untoward incident would happen, but that any display of opposition must be done according to the law.
He said martial law would be enforced if necessary. (MCOT online news)
