BANGKOK, March 31 – Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) today expressed appreciation to caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for personally defending herself against charges of dereliction of duty in her supervision of the rice pledging scheme.
Ms Yingluck briefly gave her verbal defence before presenting a written statement to the NACC.
NACC member Prasart Pongsivapai said the premier’s presence positively signified her willingness to go through the investigation process.
Ms Yingluck asked the NACC to question more than 10 more witnesses and said she would submit more documents on the case.
Mr Prasart said the NACC will discuss tomorrow if it would agree with the premier’s request and a decision would be made based on necessities and relevant factors.
He said the NACC will definitely treat Ms Yingluck fairly and straightforwardly without any presumption (of guilt).
It was reported that 10 witnesses whom the premier wanted the NACC to interrogate were politicians and senior government officials.
Ms Yingluck was charged with dereliction of duty in her capacity as chairperson of the National Rice Police Committee, supervising the controversial rice pledging scheme.
