Ex-Pheu Thai MP raps rice trial

Former Pheu Thai MP Watana Muangsook yesterday sent an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, insisting former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra should not be held responsible for state losses in the multi-billion-baht rice-pledging scandal.

According to Mr Watana, the government cannot claim compensation from Ms Yingluck over the alleged losses, because the former prime minister did not have the authority to meddle in the sub-committee responsible for reselling the rice.

Therefore, it was inaccurate to claim she failed to stop further losses in the scheme. The allegation is groundless, he said.

Ms Yingluck and 21 other people have been implicated by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for their roles in the loss-ridden rice scheme, a trial that Mr Watana said is simply part of a political game.

The rice-pledging scheme actually served the public interest and was carried out under the power of the constitution after being declared in parliament as government policy, he said.

The allegations against Ms Yingluck by the NACC were false, he added.

Mr Watana urged Gen Prayut to ensure state officials carry out their duties with prudence and fairness.

Any attempt to use state power in an unfair manner will only lead to conflict, he said, adding that fairness would create acceptance and political reconciliation in the country.

JINAKUL APICHIT Getting their feet wet Thammasat students, including exchange students, plant “Thammasat” Hom Mali rice seedlings in a paddy field at Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus, which is part of a 2016 student orientation ceremony.