Bangkok: Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, expressed his sympathy for former Prime Minister Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra regarding the rice pledging scheme. As a former Minister of Commerce, Phumtham recounted how he had initially advised Yingluck against selling the last lot of rice, which was later sold at 18 baht per kilogram, a price that had previously been between 3-5 baht. He emphasized that the court’s decision to close the consideration of the case should be re-evaluated.
According to Thai News Agency, Phumtham voiced his belief that Yingluck should be given justice, stressing the importance of following legal procedures. He also mentioned that Ms. Yingluck’s lawyer, Mr. Narawit Lahlaeng, is tasked with gathering documents and evidence to support her case. Whether the court will consider this evidence remains up to legal proceedings.
Phumtham clarified that the legal fight was not about avoiding compensation but about proving that the punishment Yingluck faced was unjust. He argued that while the policy failed, the issues arose during its implementation, and Yingluck should not be held accountable for these operational problems.
Drawing a parallel to the submarine case, Phumtham discussed the financial implications of continuing or halting the project, emphasizing that he should not be responsible for decisions made eight years prior. He stressed the need to address the issue with evidence and reality.
Addressing accusations from his tenure as Minister of Commerce, where he was criticized for selling the last lot of rice, Phumtham pointed out that it was his duty to sell the remaining stock. He argued that the focus on this specific action was an attempt to create controversy and maintained that inaction would have left the situation unresolved.
Phumtham stated that remaining silent on issues like the submarine case would have been the safer route, but he chose to act despite potential criticisms. He expressed his commitment to taking responsibility and acting based on his convictions.
Regarding the alignment of his actions with a recent post from the Pheu Thai Party, Phumtham said that consistency was not his primary concern. He reiterated his respect for Ms. Yingluck and the importance of the judicial process in determining outcomes based on the evidence presented.
Phumtham concluded that the process should adhere strictly to the country’s principles, emphasizing the rule of law as essential for maintaining both domestic and international confidence.