The regime has given officials immunity from future lawsuits over their handling of stockpiles of pledged tapioca and maize, and compensation demands for losses incurred by the programmes. The order also covers officials who are working on identifying those responsible for the losses and demanding compensation from them. According to the order, these officials will be immune from criminal and civil lawsuits as well as disciplinary actions when performing their duties. Keerati Rushchano, deputy director-general of the Foreign Trade Department, said authorities are stepping up efforts to discharge tapioca and maize pledged to the government. Monthly storage costs for tapioca are 50 million baht, maize seven million baht and rice 500 million baht, he said.

Source: Bangkok Post September 14, 2016 22:28 UTC