Thailand’s political scene just got a major jolt. On May 22, 2025, the Supreme Administrative Court ordered former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to pay 10 billion baht (about $305 million) in damages over her government’s rice-pledging scheme. The court found her severely negligent for ignoring corruption warnings during the program, which aimed to boost rice prices for farmers but ended up causing massive losses and stockpiles of unsold rice.
This ruling partially overturned a 2021 decision that had cleared her of financial liability. Yingluck, who fled into exile in 2017 to avoid a five-year prison sentence, maintains her innocence and plans to appeal, arguing that the government has already recovered losses through rice sales.
Pheu Thai’s Defense: Standing by Their Leader
The Pheu Thai Party, which Yingluck once led, isn’t taking this lying down. Spokesman Danuporn Punnakanta announced that the party is exploring all legal avenues to challenge the court’s decision. They argue that the case is politically motivated, stemming from the 2014 military coup that ousted Yingluck’s government.
Danuporn emphasized that the party respects the court’s ruling but believes there are still legal options available. They’re considering invoking Article 75 of the Administrative Court Procedure Act, which allows for the submission of new evidence within 75 days of a final ruling.
Legal Maneuvers: The Battle Continues
Yingluck and her legal team are challenging the compensation order, arguing that the Finance Ministry’s original demand of 35.7 billion baht was excessive and lacked direct evidence of her involvement in corruption. The Supreme Administrative Court reduced the amount to 10 billion baht, citing her negligence but not direct responsibility.
The Administrative Court clarified that it doesn’t have the authority to enforce the compensation order; that responsibility lies with the Finance Ministry and related agencies. If Yingluck fails to comply, the ministry can enforce the order through asset seizures or auctions without filing a lawsuit.
The Shinawatra Legacy: A Family Under Fire
Yingluck’s legal troubles are the latest in a series of challenges faced by the Shinawatra family. Her brother, Thaksin Shinawatra, also a former prime minister, returned to Thailand in 2023 after years in self-imposed exile and was granted clemency. Their niece, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, currently serves as the Prime Minister.
The family’s political influence has been a point of contention in Thailand, with critics accusing them of corruption and abuse of power, while supporters argue they’re victims of political persecution. The Pheu Thai Party’s support for Yingluck underscores the ongoing divide in Thai politics.
Quick Facts: Yingluck’s Rice-Pledging Scheme
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Objective | Buy rice from farmers at above-market prices to boost incomes |
| Implementation Period | 2011–2014 |
| Estimated Losses | Over 500 billion baht (approx. $15 billion) |
| Legal Outcome | Yingluck sentenced to 5 years in prison (2017), fled the country |
| Current Ruling | Ordered to pay 10 billion baht in damages (2025) |
Conclusion
Yingluck Shinawatra’s legal battle over the rice-pledging scheme is far from over. With the Pheu Thai Party’s backing and potential new legal strategies, the former prime minister is poised to continue fighting the compensation order. This case not only impacts Yingluck personally but also reflects the deep political divisions and ongoing struggles within Thailand’s governance.
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