Thailand’s anti-corruption authorities launched an investigation against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Thursday in a new setback to her Government following weeks of mass Opposition protests.
The National Anti-Corruption Commission said the inquiry would probe possible negligence of duty by Yingluck in connection with a controversial subsidy scheme for rice farmers. The panel will charge 15 other people, including a former Commerce Minister, with corruption linked to the rice programme, commission spokesman Vicha Mahakun told a news conference.
The scheme has been strongly criticised by Yingluck’s opponents, who have occupied major intersections in the capital since Monday as part of their efforts to force her elected Government from office and install an appointed “people’s council” in its place.