Bangkok: Yingluck Shinawatra’s personal lawyer, Narawit Lahlaeng, has revealed that he is currently in the process of collecting necessary documents and figures to submit a new case. Alongside this, he plans to attach a request to the Ministry of Finance to delay the asset seizure process related to the rice pledging scheme. The final decision, he noted, rests with the court, though he is confident that more than 10 billion baht in rice can be sold.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Narawit is seeking a new hearing following the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling that ordered former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to pay 10,028 million baht in damages concerning the government-to-government rice sales. He stated that the submission must be made within 90 days, although the exact figures are still being finalized.

Mr. Narawit expressed confidence in his ability to present new evidence for consideration, citing legal provisions that authorize him to do so. He clarified that whether the court will accept the evidence is a separate matter, but emphasized the necessity of adhering to legal procedures.

When questioned about the Ministry of Finance’s role, Mr. Narawit mentioned that the Ministry had been following its orders from the outset, leading to the seizure and auctioning of some assets. He added that it would depend on the court’s decision regarding the new trial and request for delay, as only a few assets remain unsold.

Regarding whether the Ministry of Finance should delay the seizure of Ms. Yingluck’s assets, Mr. Narawit suggested that if the court accepts the case, the Ministry should wait. He also indicated that while the detailed figures for rice sales under the pledging program involving 18.5 million tons could not yet be disclosed, it is believed to exceed the 10,028 million baht mark.