Yingluck and the Rice Pledging Mess: Here's the Latest
Delay in Implementing Compensation for Yingluck's 10-Billion Baht Rice Pledge
It's been a rollercoaster ride for former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra ever since the rice pledging scheme took off. Scrambling from one court to another, it seems the drama may never end.
In May 2025, Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court made a splash with a significant ruling. The court deemed unlawful the Ministry of Finance's administrative order seeking damages from Yingluck, this time nearing 10 billion baht ($305 million). This marked a significant reduction from the Ministry's initial demand of over 35 billion baht, a sizable chunk of which Yingluck fought tirelessly to evade for nearly a decade.
Now, the question remains: will this epic saga continue with Yingluck paying up?
Well, that all depends on the Ministry of Finance and how swiftly they form a new committee to reassess the damages within the given 60-day timeframe. If they do, they could potentially uncover new evidence, anything from old stock rice sales to robust documentations on rice sales, which could further reduce the damages owed.
But fear not, for Yingluck isn't going down without a fight. If the Ministry of Finance pitches another demand, she's got the right to file another administrative lawsuit, striking a familiar loop in the process. It's a vicious cycle that Yingluck has endured since 2017.
Looking back, this compensation claim dates back to the days when General Prayut Chan-o-cha ruled as Thailand's Prime Minister, under the stipulations of Section 44 of the interim constitution. With apprehension, one can't help but wonder if political motives are hidden in this protracted affair, a silent game of chess between the ruling parties spanning over years.
[1] Supreme Administrative Court Ruling, 22 May 2025.[2] Central Administrative Court Ruling, 2017.[3] Yingluck's legal team press statement, 23 May 2025.[4] Thai Ministry of Finance press statement, 27 May 2025.
- The reduction in the compensation claim against former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by the Ministry of Finance was a significant event in the realm of policy-and-legislation and general news.
- The ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court in May 2025 both intersects with and influences the legal proceedings surrounding Yingluck's case, which have their origins in the rice pledging scheme and the exercise of power during the tenure of General Prayut Chan-o-cha.
- Yingluck's legal team has denounced the Ministry of Finance's latest ruling, indicating that they will continue to challenge the claim through administrative lawsuits, mirroring the ongoing tussle between the two entities.
- As the debate over damages persists, critics have raised concerns regarding potential political manipulation, sparking questions about the role of politics in finance and the rice pledging mess.
