Yingluck Shinawatra Ordered to Pay Billions in Rice-Pledging Case

Thailand's Supreme Court rules on Yingluck Shinawatra's rice-pledging case. The court ordered the former Prime Minister to pay 10,000 million baht in damages related to the scheme, which aimed to support farmers but resulted in significant financial losses for the government. Yingluck's lawyer, Norawit Lalaeng, stated that they will appeal the decision, arguing that Yingluck, in her role as head of the executive branch, was not directly responsible for the scheme's implementation and resulting losses. The appeal will focus on evidence demonstrating a lack of negligence on Yingluck's part and will challenge the court's assessment of damages. The case highlights ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding economic policy in Thailand.