Thailand’s Supreme Court will hear Shinawatra rice-pledging case

World Today

(FILES) This file picture taken on December 11, 2013 shows then Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra listening to foreign reporters’ questions at an Air Force base in Bangkok. Thailand’s former premier Yingluck Shinawatra was on March 19, 2015 ordered to stand trial on charges of negligence over a bungled rice subsidy scheme, in a case that could see her jailed for up to a decade. AFP PHOTO / FILES / Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Thailand’s Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Office on Thursday decided to accept a criminal case against former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra for alleged malfeasance in a controversial rice-pledging scheme.

The first hearing is scheduled in the morning of May 19, according to a press release from the court.

The case was filed by the Office of the Attorney- General, and if found guilty, Shinawatra could face a maximum jail term of 10 years.

Supreme Court Vice President Veerapol Tangsuwan was selected to take charge of the proceedings of Shinawatra case.

Shinawatra did not show up at the court, but she will have to appear in person for the hearing.

The defendant will be notified of the court decision within seven days.

Story by Xinhua News.