Anti-graft panel assures justice for Thailand's Caretaker PM

NONTHABURI, THAILAND, March 31 (TNA) - The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) assures justice for Thailand's Caretaker Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, expressing its appreciation to the caretaker prime minister's cooperating with its investigation into her government's rice-pledging scheme. A national anti-corruption commissioner, Prasart Pongsivapai, told journalists on Monday afternoon that he thanked the caretaker prime minister for her cooperation by giving her brief verbal explanation and also a written explanation. Prasart said it is a good sign that the caretaker prime minister undergoes the examination process, insisting that the case is treated fairly and straightforwardly with no favor for anti-government protesters and there is not any early conclusion. The prime minister, meanwhile, asked the NACC to question 10 more witnesses, while the anti-graft panel said it will decide on the request on April 1, 2014. Prasart declined to give any comment whether the caretaker prime minister is trying to buy time, stating that the NACC is trying to conclude the case within this month. A source revealed that the 10 witnesses mentioned by the caretaker prime minister include politicians and senior permanent government officials. (TNA)