ID :
378714
Sun, 08/30/2015 - 11:53
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Thai Commerce Minister denies rice-pledging scheme case rumour

BANGKOK, August 30 (TNA) - Thai Commerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn on Sunday dismissed rumours about the expiry of the statute of limitations concerning the notorious rice-pledging scheme case, saying that two sets of committees probing the alleged corruption program by the previous government of Yingluck Shinawatra are scheduled to complete their findings by September 7. Apiradee’s comments were made following online criticisms pointing to delayed investigations by the current government and also claimed the statute of limitations for the alleged corruption case was due to expire on September 7. Apiradee said the claims on the issue were groundless as Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha had ordered the two special committees to probe charges lodged by the state-run National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) against former prime minister Yingluck in dereliction of duty, which led to massive corruption in the scheme. The second committee concerns with NACC charges against 21 other people, including former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom, who were involved with the scheme. Apiradee explained that the entire process would be completed within 120 days and if the case could not be finalised for any reason, an extension could be made at a maximum of 30 days each time. She said the outcome of their investigations would then be forwarded to another committee to decide whether the accused persons would have to pay compensation for damages from the scheme -- estimated at 700 billion baht. (TNA)

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