BANGKOK, 21 April 2015 – The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has set April 23 for the opening of the impeachment case against former government officials involved in a government-to-government (G2G) rice agreement.
NLA Whip Spokesman Jate Siratharanont disclosed that, on Thursday, former Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, former Deputy Commerce Minister Phum Sarapol and former Director-General of the Department of Foreign Trade Manas Soiploy will be making their opening statements to the NLA concerning the rice fraud case.
The three are alleged of malfeasance for faking a G2G rice deal with China while in office under the previous government. They are at risk of impeachment, which would entail a five-year political ban.
Meanwhile, on the plaintiff’s side, member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission Vicha Mahakhun will deliver an opening remark on behalf of his agency.
Afterwards, on April 30, both the plaintiff and defendants will be summoned to answer questions by a seven-member inquiry panel. On May 7, closing statements will be delivered before votes are taken from NLA members the following day as to whether or not the three should be impeached.
