Final hearing with former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck

On the morning of July 21, at the Bangkok Court, former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra had to attend the final hearing.

The hearing is part of a two-year legal battle over her rice subsidy program while in office.

Ms. Yingluck.

The Supreme Court is expected to rule in the coming weeks. If convicted, the politician could face up to 10 years in prison and have her assets confiscated.

Early in the morning at the Bangkok court, many people, mainly members of the Pheu Thai Party, came to show their support for the former Thai Prime Minister. Hundreds of police were also deployed to ensure security and order for the trial.

There were three witnesses called by the court in this final hearing.

Ms Yingluck's lawyers asked the court to allow her to speak before the hearing ended.

Ms. Yingluck (holding a bouquet of roses).

Ms. Yingluck wanted to make statements to her supporters. Ms. Yingluck also pointed out the unreasonable points in the indictment, and the court had to rely on the records of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

Previously, Thailand's ousted Prime Minister carried out many social activities to call for support, which was also a way to put pressure on the current military government.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister in charge of legal affairs, Wissanu Krea-ngam, said Ms. Yingluck has every right to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The hearings with Ms. Yingluck have been conducted since the military carried out a coup in 2014. Ms. Yingluck was accused of negligence causing serious consequences in implementing the rice subsidy policy, causing a loss of 500 billion baht, equivalent to 15 billion USD.

With this charge, she faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and must share $1 billion in compensation with other leaders in her previous cabinet./.

According to VOV