Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck affirms she will not leave the country

Thai media on June 22 quoted former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as saying that she would not leave the country while facing pressure from a lawsuit related to a controversial rice subsidy program.

Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Photo: EPA/TTXVN

Speaking to reporters on her 50th birthday, surrounded by supporters and Pheu Thai party leaders, former Prime Minister Yingluck said this was the most difficult period of her life and political career, but she would “fight with the belief of my innocence.”

The Thai Supreme Court is currently holding a trial for Ms. Yingluck on charges that she neglected her responsibility in controlling a rice purchase program at guaranteed prices, causing heavy losses to the state budget.

Yingluck’s final testimony is scheduled for July 21. Both the prosecution and the defense will have 30 days to make their final statements.

After 14 days, the court will make a judgment.

Ms. Yingluck's brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, chose to go into self-exile in 2008 after the Supreme Court ruled that he had abused his power as prime minister and sentenced him to two years in prison.

According to Vietnam+