The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has rejected a request by caretaker Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra's lawyer for more time to explain herself regarding a charge she faces over the government's handling of the rice-pledging scheme.
The prime minister must appear in person to testify to the NACC on Monday. She earlier sent her lawyer to acknowledge the charge on her behalf, NACC secretary-general Sansern Poljieak said.
Ms Yingluck has been charged by the NACC with neglecting to act against alleged irregularities in the rice scheme.
He said the NACC yesterday rejected a repeated request from Norawit Lalaeng, Ms Yingluck’s lawyer, for the panel to postpone its meeting with his client for 45 days.
Mr Sansern said the NACC has done enough favours for Ms Yingluck by earlier allowing her lawyer to acknowledge the charge on her behalf.
"If the accused shows up and attends the session herself, she will understand the charge brought against her well," Mr Sansern said.
"The prime minister might not fully grasp the facts and legal aspects needed for her defence if she lets others perform on her behalf."