Former Thai PM appears in court to answer junta charges

Junta claims corruption and losses from rice subsidy scheme she managed while PM totalled $8.20 billion

By CS Thana

BANGKOK (AA) - Former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has appeared in court to give testimony against charges of negligence levied at her by the military junta.

Yingluck, flanked by hundred of red-clad supporters, appeared outside the court steps Friday where she called for a fair trial.

"I know that the rice [subsidy] scheme benefited hundreds of poor farmers around the country," she told reporters.

The junta said earlier this week that corruption and losses from the scheme totaled 287 billion baht ($8.20 billion).

The former premier also urged citizens to get out and vote Sunday, when the country holds a constitutional referendum, adding that it was an important moment for Thailand.

Yingluck released a statement on social media Tuesday saying she would reject the suggested constitution because it was undemocratic.

Kaynak: