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Court spares ex-PM Yingluck from having to pay rice compensation

14 Sept 00:15 Key points summarised by AI

**Court Clears Yingluck:** Thailand's Central Administrative Court ruled that former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is not liable for 35 billion baht in compensation for losses incurred during her administration's rice deals, citing her involvement only in memoranda of understanding and a lack of direct evidence linking her to state damage.
**Other Officials Held Liable, Ruling Appealable:** In contrast, former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyaphirom, his deputy, and three other officials were ordered to pay 14.7 billion baht for their roles in the G-to-G rice deals; the government retains the option to appeal Yingluck's ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court.

Yesterday 17:04 Key points summarised by AI

Civic groups, including those representing labourers and older people, submitted a protest letter demanding the Bhumjaithai Party withdraw bills to shift funding for four organizations (Thai PBS, Older Persons Fund, Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Sports Authority of Thailand) from earmarked taxes to the central government budget.
Leaders argue these organizations were established for public interest, supporting public service media, elder care, public health, and sports development, and any amendments should consider all stakeholders' views.
Over 70% of parliamentary poll respondents opposed the proposed changes, prompting civic leaders to call on the ruling party to respect the people's will and withdraw the bills.
A network of slum dwellers also opposes the funding changes, threatening a rally if the government fails to address their demands.