Court rejects Yingluck's Europe travel request
THE Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders has rejected a request by former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra to travel to Europe at the invitation of European Parliament members.
In its order, the court said the invitation was insufficient reason for Yingluck to leave the country at this time and therefore her request, filed with the court earlier this week, was turned down.
A copy of the court order was seen by The Nation yesterday.
European Parliament members Elmar Brok and Werner Langen, in their letter dated October 7, invited Yingluck to exchange views on the Thai political situation either in Brussels, Belgium, or Strasbourg, France.
The invitation letter was publicised last week.
Yingluck is facing a legal case to be tried by the Supreme Court in connection with her government’s corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme.
Meanwhile, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra has conveyed his New Year wishes to Thais in a YouTube clip, offering his moral support to people in distress to be patient in order to overcome difficulties.
Thaksin predicted better social and economic conditions in Thailand in the second half of next year.
“Democracy will be restored, unity will return and the economy will pick up in the latter half of next year,’’ he said.
“This year, we need special moral support because of the country’s current situation. I live far away and don’t know what I can give except moral support. People who are facing difficulty, please be patient and you will pass this point, because every crisis has opportunity,’’ he said.
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