Thai Prime Minister: We know where Yingluck is

Bangkok's government leaders have hinted that they know where former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is but have not said.

Former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra during a court appearance in Bangkok. She is still supported by many poor people. Photo: Reuters

According to Reuters, at a press conference on September 26, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha affirmed that his government knows where Ms. Yingluck is currently residing but will not reveal it until there is an official court verdict for this exiled female politician.

"I will only tell you where she is after September 27. I have spies who know about it," the military leader said, adding that Ms. Yingluck has not yet applied for asylum abroad.

On September 27, the Supreme Court of Thailand will announce its verdict on former Prime Minister Yingluck over mistakes in the rice subsidy program that caused heavy losses to the state budget during her time in power.

Thailand's Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant for Ms. Yingluck after she failed to appear for her sentencing hearing on August 25.

Experts predict that Ms. Yingluck faces up to 10 years in prison and a large fine, along with a long-term ban from political activities.

Until now, people still do not know exactly where former Prime Minister Yingluck is, although initial information said that she went to Dubai (United Arab Emirates - UAE) to meet her brother and intended to seek political asylum in the UK - where Mr. Thaksin has businesses.

Ms. Yingluck's safe departure from her home while under surveillance and her departure from the country had sparked speculation about the possibility of arrangements by the current government to avoid chaos in the country.

In recent times, Prime Minister Prayut's government has repeatedly affirmed that it will conduct a thorough investigation and has consistently emphasized that it will not assist Ms. Yingluck in her departure.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut during a visit to an agricultural school in Suphan Buri province on September 18. Photo: Reuters

On September 22, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan confirmed that three police officers, including one with the rank of colonel, had been arrested and questioned on charges of helping former Prime Minister Yingluck flee Thailand.

According to Mr. Prawit, it is likely that Ms. Yingluck escaped to Cambodia through the land border gate in Sa Kaeo province, 300km east of Bangkok.

Recently, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen himself and many officials under his authority have confirmed that there is no such thing as Ms. Yingluck going abroad through Cambodia.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit confirmed that authorities had seized a vehicle believed to have taken Ms Yingluck to the border. The vehicle was found in Nakhon Pathom province, north of Bangkok, on September 21.

Police Colonel Chairit Anurit was arrested and taken to the Royal Thai Police headquarters in Bangkok shortly after the car was found.

Mr. Chairit is accused of driving a silver Toyota Camry with the license plate Chor Khor 5323 to help Ms. Yingluck escape.

According to Tuoi Tre