In this case the PM must also endorse the order,'' he said. "The law states that the fact-finding panel is appointed by the minister of the ministry facing the most losses but it also states that in the case that the accused are ministers, the PM needs to endorse the setting up of the fact-finding panel. Wissanu said allegations that Prayut had refused to sign the administrative order out of fear of a countersuit were false.The government-to-government rice deals were part of the Yingluck Shinawatra government's rice-pledging scheme that was allegedly plagued with corruption and estimated to cost the state more than Bt500 billion.Wissanu said the Council of State had suggested that both Prayut and the Minister of Commerce Apiradi Tantraporn sign the order.

Source: The Nation Bangkok July 17, 2016 09:00 UTC