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BANGKOK, Feb 12 — Former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra should stay in the country to defend herself in court, Prime inister Prayut Chan-o-cha said today, and security personnel are escorting her to prevent any untoward incidents.
Regarding the National Council for Peace and Order's rejection of her request to travel abroad, Gen Prayut said legal cases were being prepared against her, so she should remain in Thailand to enter the justice system.
If she is found innocent, she can run in the election to return to government, he said.
Every party should respect rules and be subject to the justice system, the prime minister said.
He appreciated Ms Yingluck's lawyer Norawit Lalaeng insistence that his client would not escape and would defend herself in court.
The prime minister admitted that security officials were deployed to escort the former prime minister at all times.
He said that the measure was for the protection of very important persons because an untoward incident would otherwise cause problems. The former prime minister should be happy with the protection, he said.
"They are sent to take care of her so that she feels safe and secure when traveling. It is better than being without a guard. The officials may search vehicles and any actions that are a bit harsh should be forgivable," the prime minister said.
He insisted that he always showed respect to the former prime minister.
"She used to tell me that she was ready to be in the justice system and would defend herself on rice-pledging cases. I think that will be good if she does so," Gen Prayut said. (MCOT online news)
