Yingluck backers came hours before hearing began

Many people waited patiently for hours before she arrived. Some supporters had been waiting since 5am, although she did not show up until 8.30am. 

Several people told The Nation they were at the court for the first time, travelling great distances from the capital’s outskirts, western Ratchaburi, northern Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and northeastern Khon Kaen provinces, which are major strongholds of the Phue Thai Party.
They said they wanted to give Yingluck moral support ahead of the significant court appearance.
Key red-shirt and Pheu Thai members were also present. Among them were Nuttawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakarn, Watana Muangsook, and Khattiya Sawasdipol. 
Police estimated there were about 900 supporters, and security agencies deployed 450 policemen and troops.
When Yingluck appeared, she was quickly engulfed by the media and fans who offered her flowers, souvenirs and kind words. They also tried to reach out to her for a handshake and a hug. 
Overwhelmed by the tremendous support, Yingluck was moved to tears as she greeted supporters.
Those who could not get near her waved their hands and cried out loudly, telling the ex-premier they loved her and to keep fighting. It took more than half-an-hour for Yingluck to walk just 20 metres, to get past supporters and enter the court building. 
Yingluck has been accused of negligence in preventing corruption and irregularities in the controversial rice-pledging scheme. If found guilty, she could face a heavy fine and a jail term up to 10 years. 
Girls from minority groups in Chiang Rai, who asked to remain anonymous, were among those showing support. “[We] will be very disappointed if [the court] rules that she is guilty,” one of the girls said. “It’s a shame that someone who does so much for people, the poor people, has to suffer this. I really wish that it won’t turn out that way.”

Holding Yingluck’s portrait, Phra Somchai, a Buddhist monk from Samutprakarn province, said: “I always come to support her if I can or I send some followers here if I can’t. 
“I don’t think she should be punished. She did good for the poor people, the farmers. If the court says she is guilty, no one will dare to formulate such policies to help the poor any more.” 
Bangkok resident Pornchai Khunkongsatien, 46, said: “I will be very sorry if she is ruled guilty. Everything she did, she did it for the people. I still have hope though that we haven’t reached the point of no justice in Thai society. So, I hope that she will be alright in the end.”