PM asserts Yingluck’s assets done in accordance with law

BANGKOK, July 28 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says the freezing of former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s asset is done in accordance with the laws. Gen Prayut’s comment came amid fears of political confrontation ahead of Yingluck’s final corruption case verdict on August 25. The ex-premier this week asked her supporters for “encouragement” after finding out that her assets were frozen. The Legal Execution Department has temporarily frozen 37 of Yingluck properties and several bank accounts as stipulated by a civil liability committee’s resolution. The committee has found that Ms Yingluck is liable to pay Bt35 billion in compensation to the state to cover heavy losses in the rice-pledging scheme, estimated to amount to Bt500 billion. Gen Prayut said Thursday that the temporary seizure must be dealt separately from the criminal case. Ms Yingluck is also facing a Supreme Court verdict on a criminal charge in which she is accused of negligence in her official duties while implementing the rice-pledging scheme, resulting in corruption and substantial financial losses. The high court’s verdict is due on August 25. Gen Prayut said Ms Yingluck could ask the administrative court to suspend the asset seizure. However, Ms Yingluck’s appeal for her supporters’ help has generated concerns over possible reemergence of political confrontation and rallies. (TNA)