Beleaguered Thai PM probed over corrupt rice subsidy scheme

In a major blow for embattled premier Yingluck Shinawatra, Thailand's anti-corruption agency today launched a probe into her government's controversial rice subsidy scheme giving a shot in the arm for protesters as they marched through the capital demanding her resignation.
The investigation came as the government urged police to arrest protest leaders Suthep Thaugsuban who have threatened to take Yingluck, 46, captive and paralysed parts of central Bangkok.
Agitating protesters have blocked government offices as part of their ongoing "shutdown" of Bangkok campaign, aimed at forcing Yingluck from office and installing an unelected "people's council" to carry out reforms before the February 2 snap polls.

Protesters received a boost after the National Anti-Corruption Commission said it would probe possible negligence of duty by the premier in connection with a controversial subsidy scheme for rice farmers.
The panel said it would consider whether Yingluck had violated criminal law, but did not say what punishment she could face if found guilty.
The panel will charge 15 other people, including a former commerce minister, with corruption linked to the rice scheme, commission spokesman Vicha Mahakun told a news conference.

The controversial rice scheme is thought to be costing Thailand around USD 10 billion a year - and the government has been unable to pay farmers for their most recent harvest, because a bond issue last year failed to raise sufficient funds, BBC reported.

The government's inability to pay farmers could cost it support from one of its most important constituencies, while peasants are already talking about marching on Bangkok in protest.
The money-guzzling scheme, launched in 2011 with the aim of boosting farmers' incomes and helping alleviate rural poverty, has been strongly criticised by Yingluck's opponents who have vowed to step up their anti-government campaign.
Protest leader Suthep, who has been leading the months-long demonstrations, faces an insurrection charge as well as a murder charge linked to a military crackdown on opposition protests that left dozens dead when he was deputy premier in 2010.

"It's the duty of the police to arrest Suthep because he is wanted for insurrection, otherwise police will face malfeasance charges," Deputy Prime Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul said after a meeting with the national police chief.