The Supreme Court has sentenced former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and deputy minister Phumi Saraphol to jail terms of 42 years and 36 years, respectively for their leading roles in executing fake government-to-government (GtoG) rice export deals. After the verdict was read, Boonsong, Poom and other 19 defendants were escorted to Bangkok Special Prison. Prior to hearing the verdict, Boonsong said that he had prepared money for bail as well as planned to appeal to the ruling. The escort was proceeded with strict security by the police, with supporters of Pheu Thai Party waiting for the verdict in front of the court. However, there was no stir from the crowd, who only booed when the prison van drove by.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 25, 2017 08:07 UTC